Sitaben Vallabhbhai Patel

Mrs. Sitaben Vallabhbhai Patel, age 89, of Springvale, ME passed away Tuesday evening, June 13th, 2023 at her residence. She was born July 12th, 1933 in Samal Falia village in Gujarat, India. Sitaben was preceded in death by her husband, Vallabhbhai Patel; one son, Govindbhai V. Patel; two brothers, Nathubhai P. Patel, and Parbhubhai P. Patel; and her beloved son-in-law, Indravadan N. Patel. Born under British Rule, she witnessed the liberation of her homeland and survived the vivisection of South Asia. She raised five children, numerous grandchildren, and had the pleasure of achieving the moniker great-grandmother. After moving to the United States she proudly became an American citizen, and made Springvale her home where she lived with her beloved daughter and son-in-law; Lalita and Indravadan Patel, and their two children; Nehal and Sunil. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved to cook and garden. She always made sure her family, friends, and local community were well fed and taken care of. She refused to let anyone leave the home with an empty stomach and easily made the best daal this side of the subcontinent. She always knew exactly what you wanted and what you needed in times of distress, even if you didn’t know yourself. With a gentle hand and an infectious smile, she would light up every room she entered. Sitaben is survived by her daughters, Ramila V. Patel, and Lalita I. Patel; her two sons; Natvarlal V. Patel, and Kashavbhai V. Patel; her grandchildren, Nehal I. Patel, and Sunil I. Patel, and numerous others. Our hearts are heavy with the sadness of her loss, and she will forever be missed.