Sushma Verma's Obituary
Sushma Verma, a woman of quiet strength, boundless curiosity, and deep warmth, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and service. Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Om P. Verma, her sister, and three of her brothers, she is survived by her beloved daughter, Aarti Verma, her loving son and daughter-in-law, Randeep and Pamela Verma, and her three cherished grandchildren, Evan, Millan, and Maya.
Born in Punjab during pre-partition India, Sushma was the youngest of six siblings. She often reflected on the joy she experienced as a child in this vibrant, fertile region known for its colorful culture, flavorful food, and warm, hospitable people. But the upheaval of India’s independence in 1947 also marked her early years with turbulence and transition, experiences that ultimately shaped the resilience, grace, and empathy she carried throughout her life.
After marrying in 1960, Sushma moved with her husband to the United States the following year to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon earning their degrees in 1965, they spent time in Montreal and India before settling in Alabama in 1969. For over 55 years, Sushma was an active and valued part of the community, building a life marked by courage, generosity, and a unique blend of Indian culture and Alabama hospitality.
Sushma spent over four decades in elementary education, working as a reading specialist and a classroom teacher in Macon County, a substitute teacher in Montgomery County, and a tutor for students who needed extra support. She also worked with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for over 25 years, a testament to her love of the arts, particularly theatre and opera. She found great joy in sharing this passion with her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Sushma lived with intention, always thinking of others and quietly showing up for those in need. She embraced both her Indian heritage and her American home, carrying her values and traditions across continents while always growing, adapting, and giving. A lifelong traveler, Sushma eagerly explored new places and welcomed the world with curiosity and awe.
At home, she nurtured life with the same care and dedication, spending countless hours watching and feeding the birds, and tending to her vegetable garden alongside her daughter. Season after season, they attempted (not always successfully!) to grow tomatoes, okra, wildly hot peppers, eggplant, mint, and chives. Remarkably active and vibrant well into her later years, she also went to the gym 3-4 times a week with the same steady discipline she brought to every part of her life. Sushma preserved a childlike sense of wonder throughout, often chuckling at the Sunday comics, a simple pleasure she treasured along with her favorite morning ritual, enjoying a hot cup of chai.
Though she stood at under 5 feet tall, Sushma had an unmistakable presence. Feisty, sharp-witted, quietly humorous, and endlessly thoughtful, she was full of life until her very last day. She often expressed her love through food, and her kitchen was a reflection of her generosity
and heart. From daal and aloo parathas to her famous chocolate chip cookies, pecan pie, and much-loved banana bread, everything was prepared with love, patience, and care.
Sushma will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her, including lifelong friends and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, to whom she was a steady, joyful presence and a connector across generations.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:
Alabama Shakespeare Festival https://asf.net/donate
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University - Multiple Myeloma Research https://together.emory.edu/give/to/patient-care-and-community-health/winship-cancer-institute?appeal=UWMT6
A Celebration of her Life will be held at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Aug 4, 2025 at 11:00AM.
What’s your fondest memory of Sushma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sushma?
Share a story where Sushma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sushma you’ll never forget.
How did Sushma make you smile?