October 13, 1931 to October 13, 2015

Inspirational, Vibrant, Served Others, Devoted, Spiritual, Beautiful Nightingale. These are just a few of the words that describe our beloved mother, Rukmini (Mirchandani) Maline who was born on October 13, 1931 in Hyderabad, India in the Sindh region. Rukmini’s childhood was filled with many challenges. She lost her own mother when she was only 12 years old. She learned from her mother to serve others and continued her mother’s legacy throughout her life.
As a child, Rukmini loved to teach. She would gather children from around her neighborhood and would play teacher with them. She began teaching at a young age in India. Rukmini continued her education so that she could continue to teach. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bombay University in Indian Philosophy. Determined to follow her dream of teaching in America, she immigrated to the United States in 1960 to attend the University of Hawaii. She received her Master’s Degree in Psychology and she began her teaching career in Lunalilo, Hawaii. Rukmini was the first public elementary teacher to teach Hindi in the United States. She moved to California in 1962 where she continued to teach in the Norwalk-La Mirada School District for 40 years. Her teaching career was highlighted by her commitment to teaching special education children.

Rukmini served her community as a volunteer in schools and churches teaching what she loved most, yoga. She helped to broaden other people’s knowledge and respect of other cultures around the world. Her purpose in life was to serve others and she taught the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Rukmini received many awards and accolades throughout her life. Most notably, in 2006 she was awarded Woman of the Year from the United States Congress for her service to her community.

As a single mother and working full time, Rukmini raised her four children in Downey. She instilled the values of education and a strong work ethic in her children at very young age. Rukmini is survived by her four children, Dr. Shakun Advani, Rama Maline, Rajan Maline, and Rani Maline-Bertsch, and her 11 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory and continue her legacy of service by performing a charitable act.

Love all, serve all.