Pramila Devi Suganandam

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” - John 11:25-26

Pramila Devi Suganandam, 83, peacefully transitioned from this life on Friday, April 12, 2024, surrounded by her beloved husband and children as she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on October 27, 1940 in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India, Pramila was the second of seven children to Eugene and Janet Kondeti. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching degrees in 1963 and began her career. In 1965 she married Harris Suganandam and together they embarked on a journey of faith and service as missionaries in Ethiopia for 32 years where they lovingly raised their three children, Sylvia, Praveen and Nalini.

Pramila’s dedication to education and service knew no bounds. She taught high school students and later contributed as a teacher, librarian and administrative assistant at the Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her passion for learning extended beyond borders and she traveled to Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and Cameroon, organizing and enriching theological libraries and earning recognition and awards for her invaluable contributions.

An active member of her community, Pramila served faithfully at the International Lutheran Church, participated with the Indian Association and organized numerous programs for children. Her nurturing spirit was evident as she tutored young minds and opened her home to all, sharing her culinary delights and hospitality with friends and visitors from around the globe. She was a motherly figure to so many of her students who loved her dearly and whose lives she deeply impacted. In her free time, Pramila enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and taking care of the many random animals her kids would bring home. She loved to laugh, sing, watch movies, play games (especially Scrabble), travel and spend time with friends. One of the things she enjoyed most was reading to her children.

Upon retirement in 1996 Pramila and Harris continued their service in Vellore, India, dedicating 23 years to CSI St. John’s Church and the Schieffelin Institute of Health. Her commitment to ministry continued through teaching Bible lessons for nursing students and active involvement with the Women’s Fellowship and various village ministries.

In 2019 Pramila and Harris relocated to the United States to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Despite health challenges that limited her mobility in recent years, Pramila remained steadfast in her faith and found ways to bear witness to God’s goodness, grace and faithfulness in her life - often finding solace through music, reading Scripture and worship with other believers. She was well surrounded with a community of care. Pramila’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to her team of medical staff and caregivers for all their kindness and compassionate care.

Pramila is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Rev. Harris Suganandam; children and their spouses: Sylvia and David Banks of Chattanooga, TN, Praveen and Betsy Suganandam of St. Louis, MO, Nalini and Mark Van Den Bosch of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Benjamin, Caleb, and Maiya Banks, Malaika and Ian Suganandam; brother Samuel Kondeti of Hyderabad, India, sister, Sulochana Kondeti of Ongole, India and many more family members.

Visitation will be held at MKD Funeral Home 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST.

A celebration of Pramila’s life will be held at 11:00 AM EST on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Madison Church – South Hill Campus, 415 MLK Jr St SE, Grand Rapids. Livestream of the service will be at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@MadisonChurchSouthHill

A burial service will take place at 2:00 PM CST on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Chenoa Township Cemetery in Chenoa, Illinois.

Guests are encouraged to wear colorful attire for all events in honor of Pramila’s vibrant spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Exalta Health in Grand Rapids, MI; Volunteers in Medicine in Chattanooga, TN; or the Schieffelin Institute of Health, Karigiri, India.