Kamalaveni Pillai

With a generous heart and an unforgettable laugh, Kamalaveni Pillai lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Veni led with her heart, giving her time and talent to serve others and ensuring the good care of those she dearly loved. She greeted each day with gratitude and welcomed every person with sincere warmth. A powerful role model, Veni was steadfast in her faith, waking early to chant and pray for family, friends, and anyone she heard needed prayers. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, coworker, and friend, Veni will long be remembered and so very missed by those who were blessed to know her.

Veni was born on January 18, 1954, in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, to Dharmalingam and Pattammal. Her father passed away when she was 11 years old. As the youngest of nine children, she was deeply influenced and cared for by her oldest sister, Charumati. When Veni began nursing school around 1974, Charumati was particularly supportive of her. After her schooling, Veni worked as a nurse in India. She worked in obstetrics delivering babies and helping perform Cesarean sections. Veni was also a devoted follower of Sai Baba and his teachings.

In 1978, Veni moved to the United States. For about a year, she lived with her brother, sister-in-law, and nephews in Portage, Michigan. Though her brother’s family lived in the US, it was difficult for Veni to be so far from the rest of her family in India. She missed them dearly.

In November of 1985, Veni married Bhagavathiperumal "Bill" in Chennai, India. Two years later, Bill joined Veni in the United States. When the couple lived in Plainwell, Michigan, their neighbor Irene came forward as an inseparable, loving part of the family. She helped with things like finding housing and caring for their children. Veni's children lovingly called her "Irene Grandma" years before they were able to meet their biological grandparents.

Anandshankar “Anand”, her first child, was born in 1988. Her second was Nisha born in 1990. Before moving to the U.S., Veni fully expected her children to be born in the presence and love of her large family. Raising children so far from her community in India was a complete unknown. Everything Veni did was done with her children in mind. In 1993, Veni's mother and eldest sister, Charumati, visited the U.S. to attend her nephew Kamalesh's wedding. The visit was a momentous occasion as Veni never traveled to India during this time.

Veni found a new, loving daughter in Amy when Anand married her in August 2017. Later that year, the family traveled to India for Anand and Amy's wedding ceremony there. It was meaningful for Veni to finally travel to India with her children. Her first grandchild, Jaya, was born in March of 2020, and her second, Rishi, was born in December of 2022. Veni’s life had an entirely different meaning after the birth of her grandchildren. Jaya came into Veni's life like a pleasant breeze. Rishi reinstilled her purpose. Always patient, attentive, and loving, Veni had a beautiful relationship with her grandchildren.

Veni worked at Total Living Center in Plainwell and Upjohn Nursing Home. Then Veni continued at Park Village Pines for the longest portion of her career. Veni loved her work and was beloved by staff members and residents. In addition to her time and skills, she gave boundless loving care and attention. Her work was always thorough and complete, taking time to talk to patients and make them laugh. She also worked through norovirus and during COVID lockdown.

As we celebrate Veni's wonderful life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also carry forward her legacy of grace, gratitude, and generous care. In each moment we choose faith over fear, lead with our hearts, and provide others with care and prayers, we keep Veni's memory alive and continue to inspire others as she so inspired each of us.

Kamalaveni "Veni" Pillai of Kalamazoo, age 71, passed away on April 29, 2025. Veni was preceded in death by her siblings: Yamuna, Balavati, Govindraj, and Vijaya. Surviving are her husband, Bill; children, Anandshankar (Amy) and Nisha; grandchildren, Jaya and Rishi; siblings, Muniraj, Charumati, Nagaraj; and Megaraj. Beyond that, she is survived by a large family of cousins, nieces and nephews, and “grandchildren” in India.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Thursday, May 22, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. For Veni, food was love. You can enjoy a couple of her staple recipes at the reception. Celebrate Veni's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Rootead.