Philomena Doris Arora

Philomena “Phyllis” Doris Cecilia Arora, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30th, 2023. Phyllis was born in May 1935, the fifth child of the late Isabella (Noronha) Coelho and Sylvester Coelho in Bangalore, India. Her early years were marked by the love of family, as she lived alongside her twelve brothers and sisters.

Phyllis was a trailblazer in her own right, she was the first woman in her family to venture beyond the confines of her home and seek an education. In 1957 she completed her nursing degree in the Indian Army and continued on as an obstetrics and private duty nurse. Her pursuits were not personal, they were selfless acts to help send funds to support her mom and younger siblings' education back home.

It was in the Indian Army where she met her husband, Ravindra Arora. In 1966, they got married in Bangalore, India. Together, they had three children: Suniti, Anita and Anil. In 1979, Phyllis immigrated to the United States where she worked as a nurse at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. She left behind her homeland to provide opportunities for her children. Within a year she sponsored her husband and children to also immigrate and start their lives in America.

Throughout this journey, she preserved her cherished traditions. Phyllis’ Catholic faith was the bedrock of her life, offering strength during the most trying times. Phyllis served with Catholic Daughters of the Americas and served as a Eucharistic Minister for mass throughout her life. Her deep connection to her faith allowed Phyllis to face adversity with grace including winning her battle against breast cancer. Her resilience was nothing short of inspiring.

As our Ma and Grandma, Phyllis was a pillar of our family. Her home was a place of great food, comfort, warmth, and laughter. She shared stories of her own life experiences, imparting wisdom and life lessons that will continue to guide us.

She is survived by her husband, Ravindra Arora, married for 57 years, and her children: Suniti Arora, Anita (Paresh) Patel and Anil (Kelyn) Arora. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Maya and Raja Patel, and John, Jacob and Benjamin Arora.

Friends and family may come to honor Phyllis’ life from 11am to 12pm on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at the Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH 43054. A funeral mass will be held starting at 12pm at the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany, Ohio, with Father Anish Thomas officiating. A burial for family members will follow the funeral mass at Resurrection Cemetery, in Lewis Center, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Philomena’s memory to:

St. Stephen's Community House https://saintstephensch.org/donate/

1500 E 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219

Let us remember Phyllis as a beacon of love, a guardian of wisdom, and a testament to the enduring power of family and faith. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

For those traveling and needing accommodations below are options very close to the church that the family recommends:

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus 5211 Forest Dr, New Albany, OH 43054

Hampton Inn & Suites New Albany 5220 Forest Dr, New Albany, OH 43054

Home2 Suites by Hilton New Albany Columbus 5095 Forest Dr, New Albany, OH 43054