Obituary of Juthika Dasgupta

November 16, 1944 – Calcutta, India

August 2, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Juthika Dasgupta, lovingly known as "Juthi", passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the age of 79 years. She was born in Calcutta, India, on November 16, 1944, and resided in Calgary, AB. 

As newlyweds, Juthi and her husband Mrinmoy embarked on a journey from India to the U.K. and finally to Western Canada. After obtaining a PhD in biology, she found her purpose in teaching; first at the University of Calgary, then at SIAST in Regina, SK. Juthi was a natural-born teacher, adored by her students. She was especially touched when her students organized a 'We Love Juthi Day' in her honour. Her passion for teaching continued late into retirement, where she volunteered her time to tutor elementary students.  

Above all, Juthi cherished family, especially her two daughters, Roshni and Sumana, who she called the 'light of her life'. Juthi was the beloved 'Dida' to her grandchildren and to her two “granddogs'', Rocket and Chino. Some of Juthi's fondest memories were of family trips, whether driving through the Mojave desert in an old station wagon with curtains instead of air conditioning, or camping in the Rockies. Juthi travelled widely, and in recent years had explored Europe, Thailand, the Middle East and India, with family and friends. 

Juthi is survived by her two daughters and their families, including Roshni's husband Rick Simpson, and their children, Kai and Nikhil; Sumana's husband Michael Ilg, and their children, Inaya and Elan. She is also survived by her three brothers, Susanta, Prasanta, and Jayanta Dasgupta. Juthi was predeceased by her husband Mrinmoy Dasgupta, and her parents, Jatindranath and Renu.  

The family would also like to express their sincerest gratitude to all who have shown love and support during this difficult time. The family will be establishing a first-generation Women in STEM scholarship to improve access to education. If friends and family wish to donate to this scholarship fund, donations may be made at https://engage.ucalgary.ca/Juthika-Dasgupta-Memorial-Scholarship

Juthi’s strength, intelligence, sense of humour and compassion will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

"To live is to love. Juthi lived this way in abundance." 

A Celebration of Juthi's Life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Calgary. If you would like to attend, please contact the family at juthicelebrationoflife@gmail.com for further details of this event.   

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Juthi’s family here.