Geeta Shirish Shah

Geeta Shirish Shah passed away on July 11, 2026, surrounded by her family, after a three-and-a-half-year journey with glioblastoma. She was 79.

Born in Bharuch, India, and raised in Mumbai, Geeta left a comfortable life in 1969 to follow her husband, Shirish Manubhai Shah, to America. They built a life together from almost nothing — Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio — before settling in Richmond, Virginia in 1991, where they made their home for over three decades.

Geeta was a founding member of the Cultural Center of India, a formally trained judge for FOGANA classical dance competitions worldwide, and one of the most beloved figures in Richmond's Hindu temple communities, where she spent years choreographing and mentoring the next generation of dancers. At 57, she earned her master's degree from VCU. Her warmth carried her into churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues alike, and into genuine friendship with everyone she met.

She is survived by her husband, Shirish; her son, Mrunal Shah, his wife Bella, and daughters Sonali and Nina; her daughter, Parul Shah Agarwal, her husband Prasheen, and children Prian and Parisa; her siblings Rashmin Shroff, Rekha Dalal, and Kinnari Kashiparekh; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her siblings Krishnakant Shroff, Jyoti Gandhi, and Nitin Shroff.

A prayer service will begin at 9am, followed by cremation, at Newcomer Funeral Home, NW Chapel, 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065 on Monday, July 13, 2026..

As a traditional Hindu ceremony will be performed, the family asks that you please wear white or light colors.