Dr. Shaswati Nina Saha-Gupta of Missouri City, Texas passed away on April 5, 2019 at the age of 62.
Nina was born in West Bengal, India to the late Archana and Sachin Saha. Her sisters are Debjani Saha and Indrani Goswami, who reside in India. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in India, Nina came to the U.S. to pursue her education at Syracuse University, where she received a second Master’s Degree and Ph.D.
Nina was a tenured professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction within the College of Education at Texas Southern University for over 20 years. She was a passionate advocate for children with disabilities, through her volunteerism, conference presentations, publications, and consulting with school districts across Texas. She also served as a Board Member of Hope For Three, a non-profit and autism advocacy group.
Nina demonstrated a never-ending compassion for those around her. She was a loving mother and a caring wife who always put her family first. She is survived by her husband Rajnish, son Rahul, step-children Shailey and Neel and family throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K. and India.
Please join us in celebrating her life at Winford Funeral Home Southwest (8514 Tybor Drive, Houston, TX 77074) on Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 at 3:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope For Three, a non-profit focused on autism advocacy.
Kim Thu Florist is on site at Winford Funeral Home Southwest and can be contacted at 281-788-8229.
I have just learnt about her untimely death this morning, and am deeply saddened by it.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I first met Nina in 1985 in Calcutta,and recall the dedication with which she approached each of her assignments in REACH.
I also remember her telling me that she always wanted to live in a house with 7 dogs in it.
I am certain that those 7 dogs are still with her,wherever she may be.
See you on the other side,Nina!
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I first met Nina in 1985 in Calcutta,and recall the dedication with which she approached each of her assignments in REACH.
I also remember her telling me that she always wanted to live in a house with 7 dogs in it.
I am certain that those 7 dogs are still with her,wherever she may be.
See you on the other side,Nina!
For a long time I have prayed for God to send me friends. That is a prayer where you are specifically asking him to send you someone. I met Dr. Saha on the the day of her accident. I was by her side until she was taken away by ambulance. I could tell she was a kind person but I had no earthly idea he sent me an Angel. My own Mother had surgery the day of her services and I could not make it out for helping my Mother. I just want all to know that we should help people whenever we can. Sometimes you learn that those very people are just who God sent you. I leave you with this one scripture:
Mark 12:31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Love thy neighbor.
God Bless :-)
Mark 12:31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Love thy neighbor.
God Bless :-)
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Saha as one of my professors and my dissertation chair while studying at Texas Southern University. She was very compassionate about her role as a professor, training educators, and making this world a better place. I am so grateful for all the moral support and guidance Dr. Saha provided me, and it saddens me that she is no longer here.
Dr. Saha took pride in all that she did, and leaves a beautiful legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers to her husband, children, and extended family.
Dr. Saha took pride in all that she did, and leaves a beautiful legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers to her husband, children, and extended family.
I was a colleague of Nina at TSU and got to appreciate how generous, vibrant and so passionate about her work and her students she was. She will be sorely missed.
Lila
Lila
MY SISTER, MY BEST FRIEND
People have sisters but how many are blessed with soul sisters? Someone who would not only be a good listener, share with you your joys and sorrows but be able to hear the outpourings of your soul. Such was our relationship that we could almost read each other’s thoughts and feel what the other person was going through, sometimes even without having uttered a single word. Sundays was the highlight of my week when I got up with a feeling of lightness in my heart because that was the day when we spent an hour or so exchanging all that had been going on in our lives the past week - from news that was important to the most mundane of things.
We became really close once I passed out of school. She was not just my sister but my best friend. Growing up with her was so much fun, because not only did we have our little adventures of doing things that all young girls do, but we always had each other’s back. She could always very skillfully manage to get her way around our mother for permission to go out, and once the permission was granted , neither the heat of Nagpur’s summers nor the rains could stop us.
She always had this desire to excel in whatever she was given to do whether it was academics or the dance classes she attended in her childhood. The image of her sitting and crying because she had come fourth in class instead of her usual second or third rank is still fresh in my mind. I always thought she had it easy because she has been blessed with a high IQ, but it was only when she was preparing for her post-graduation exams did I notice that a lot of hard work also went along with it.
The bond that we had, just strengthened over the years, especially once I got married and left the house and later when she went off on a scholarship to the US for higher studies. She made it a point to visit India every single year without fail, laden with gifts for all of us. It must have been difficult financially when she was a student managing on her scholarship money and the odd jobs she did, but nothing could stop her from wanting to spend time with us, at least once a year. The day Ritika my daughter was born she was so happy. She wanted to celebrate because I had a daughter. She always considered Ritika to be more her daughter than her niece and indulged her in every possible way. I don’t remember buying many clothes for my daughter in her childhood because she was gifted with so many pretty dresses by her Chotomashi (Aunt). I remember our excitement on getting news of her marriage and a few years later waiting to see Rahul, her son, on his first trip to India. Those were such happy days. One just had to see her enthusiasm and excitement while planning my daughter’s wedding. She felt equally responsible to make sure everything was planned days ahead to give her the perfect wedding and insisted on buying most of the stuff for her trousseau and getting them packed and decorated. I remember how much she cried when I spoke to her on her own marriage day in the US because she was missing us so much. Thank God for our cousin Bubundi, and brother-in-law Pinky, who were always there for her, and whom she loved dearly. They were the only family she had there, who not only got her married but were always there for her. Their house was her refuge. I remember my first trip to the US. It was one of the best trips of my life. I am so grateful to have Bubundi and Pinky in my life, and of course my dear sister who made it all possible.
We went through our difficult periods when our mother was sick, and later diagnosed with cancer, undergoing 7-8 surgeries. All the travelling back and forth to be by her side, the hospital stays drained us out physically and emotionally but since we were always together in our struggles to help her to heal and recover, the trauma was less than it would have been if we had to do it alone.
Our bond just strengthened over the years…we shared so much, more than what I have done with anyone else in my life. Pouring out your heart and baring your soul is something very few people can do, but such was our relationship that we could do it with each other.
We all know that we have to leave this world one day but nothing prepares you for the sudden death of someone who you hold very close to your heart, who made life so much better and joyful by just being around. How do you say good bye to someone like that, someone who gave all she could to make your life a little better, a little happier. I remember when I first got to hear of her death, my first words to my husband were, ‘No, how could she go? She was so much a part of me’.
Now I just have memories that I have to live with…. Memories of a woman who was caring, dutiful, courageous, principled, and dignified. Goodbye my dear sister and friend, you will always stay alive in my heart.
People have sisters but how many are blessed with soul sisters? Someone who would not only be a good listener, share with you your joys and sorrows but be able to hear the outpourings of your soul. Such was our relationship that we could almost read each other’s thoughts and feel what the other person was going through, sometimes even without having uttered a single word. Sundays was the highlight of my week when I got up with a feeling of lightness in my heart because that was the day when we spent an hour or so exchanging all that had been going on in our lives the past week - from news that was important to the most mundane of things.
We became really close once I passed out of school. She was not just my sister but my best friend. Growing up with her was so much fun, because not only did we have our little adventures of doing things that all young girls do, but we always had each other’s back. She could always very skillfully manage to get her way around our mother for permission to go out, and once the permission was granted , neither the heat of Nagpur’s summers nor the rains could stop us.
She always had this desire to excel in whatever she was given to do whether it was academics or the dance classes she attended in her childhood. The image of her sitting and crying because she had come fourth in class instead of her usual second or third rank is still fresh in my mind. I always thought she had it easy because she has been blessed with a high IQ, but it was only when she was preparing for her post-graduation exams did I notice that a lot of hard work also went along with it.
The bond that we had, just strengthened over the years, especially once I got married and left the house and later when she went off on a scholarship to the US for higher studies. She made it a point to visit India every single year without fail, laden with gifts for all of us. It must have been difficult financially when she was a student managing on her scholarship money and the odd jobs she did, but nothing could stop her from wanting to spend time with us, at least once a year. The day Ritika my daughter was born she was so happy. She wanted to celebrate because I had a daughter. She always considered Ritika to be more her daughter than her niece and indulged her in every possible way. I don’t remember buying many clothes for my daughter in her childhood because she was gifted with so many pretty dresses by her Chotomashi (Aunt). I remember our excitement on getting news of her marriage and a few years later waiting to see Rahul, her son, on his first trip to India. Those were such happy days. One just had to see her enthusiasm and excitement while planning my daughter’s wedding. She felt equally responsible to make sure everything was planned days ahead to give her the perfect wedding and insisted on buying most of the stuff for her trousseau and getting them packed and decorated. I remember how much she cried when I spoke to her on her own marriage day in the US because she was missing us so much. Thank God for our cousin Bubundi, and brother-in-law Pinky, who were always there for her, and whom she loved dearly. They were the only family she had there, who not only got her married but were always there for her. Their house was her refuge. I remember my first trip to the US. It was one of the best trips of my life. I am so grateful to have Bubundi and Pinky in my life, and of course my dear sister who made it all possible.
We went through our difficult periods when our mother was sick, and later diagnosed with cancer, undergoing 7-8 surgeries. All the travelling back and forth to be by her side, the hospital stays drained us out physically and emotionally but since we were always together in our struggles to help her to heal and recover, the trauma was less than it would have been if we had to do it alone.
Our bond just strengthened over the years…we shared so much, more than what I have done with anyone else in my life. Pouring out your heart and baring your soul is something very few people can do, but such was our relationship that we could do it with each other.
We all know that we have to leave this world one day but nothing prepares you for the sudden death of someone who you hold very close to your heart, who made life so much better and joyful by just being around. How do you say good bye to someone like that, someone who gave all she could to make your life a little better, a little happier. I remember when I first got to hear of her death, my first words to my husband were, ‘No, how could she go? She was so much a part of me’.
Now I just have memories that I have to live with…. Memories of a woman who was caring, dutiful, courageous, principled, and dignified. Goodbye my dear sister and friend, you will always stay alive in my heart.
Dr. Saha was my professor, and she graciously served on my dissertation committee when I was a doctoral student at Texas Southern University. Her courses were rigorous, and she was very passionate and supportive in her responses to my work that I submitted. When reviewing my dissertation, she was the first to give me feedback, and did everything that she could to ensure that I was successful. She later became my colleague, and I value our conversations and her gems of knowledge that she didn't hesitate to share. One of the last times that I spoke with her, I thanked her for understanding me as a young professional--as she told me to unapologetically be myself. Thank you Dr. Saha for unapologetically being you-- for being firm but fair, and for being an advocate for educators and education. Rest well...My condolences to your family and all who are impacted by this great loss.
I met Nina when we were PhD students together at Syracuse University. I remember her as a fun, funny, passionate, intelligent, caring woman. I love reading the comments here from family members, friends, and students. It's obvious that Nina has affected many people in positive ways. Sending love to Nina's family.
Nina and I (or Tooey as I came to refer to her based on our trip to Maine) met in grad school in Syracuse and have remained close friends. I have so many memories of her. So many laughs, talks and tears shed together. One memory that stands out was when we moved Nina to Maine after completing grad school. We decided that we would take the move on as an adventure not knowing what hauling a car behind a U-Haul truck would be like. We named her first car Pitooey on that trip. We drove the miles from Syracuse with many laughs and fears as we thought the car behind the truck we drove was swaying back and forth and would detach on the highway. We made it and were both relieved. This past summer I was able to be with Nina and Rahul as he settled into his new home in Chicago. She was so proud of him.
It's hard to put so many years of memories into a paragraph or two. Nina was such a good friend. Always there for me, always concerned, always wise and gracious. She worked hard and was so passionate about things that were important to her. She loved her family so much and was so proud of Rahu. I’m so grateful for her friendship and love all of these years. Nina will always remain in my heart.
It's hard to put so many years of memories into a paragraph or two. Nina was such a good friend. Always there for me, always concerned, always wise and gracious. She worked hard and was so passionate about things that were important to her. She loved her family so much and was so proud of Rahu. I’m so grateful for her friendship and love all of these years. Nina will always remain in my heart.
Nina and I were PhD students together at Syracuse. Right now I’m mostly thinking of Nina coming to visit and offer support just after Alexander was born. Giving him lots of cuddles and then just getting up and making tea, doing dishes, just noticing what needed to be done and doing it. So grateful as a new mum that it just happened without asking. Later memories including spending hours at the (Macy’s close out?) mall looking for a suitable coat to wear to the job interview in Maine. Hard to know what was the more exciting- the new coat or the job interview! Wonderful, warm, compassionate Nina x
I first met Nina when we were teachers at a school in Kolkata, India. She was a dedicated and passionate teacher who held her students and colleagues to high standards. She and I were also graduate students around the same time at Syracuse University. I still remember the wonderful late night conversations as we discussed an article or reminisced over our days in Kolkata. We had a good time when she visited me in New Jersey in 2008. She was a devoted mother who absolutely adored Rahul. She was also a warm and caring friend. I can still hear her asking me in Bengali, "kamon achish re?" (how are you?) Her memory will stay with us forever.
Nina was my roommate at Syracuse University. We spent a great deal of time with friends in the program , drinking tea, arguing over philosophy and having the time of our lives. Many years have past since but she will never be forgotten.
I have not seen such a bond of closeness & love between 2 sisters as that which existed between Nina (whom we called “Nintu”) and Sreemati my wife (whom she called “Bubundi”). And what a doting mother she has been to Rahul who is truly the apple of her eye.
Nina is the little sister I never had till she lit up my life at our wedding back in 1972 when she was just a high school kid. From “just a high school kid” she became one of the very few people I could relate to on the same wavelength - both intellectually and emotionally. And I feel honored that she placed so much trust in my wife Sreemati & me and showered us with such boundless love.
She was distinctively different - profoundly thoughtful and sensitive. She had a unique perspective and an extra-dimensional view of things invisible to the ordinary eye. ... As exemplified by the choice of her New Year greeting to us:
“And now we welcome the New Year
Full of things that have never been.”
... Rainer Maria Nike
Nina was truly exceptional in every way, not just academically or professionally. Blessed with an outstanding intellect & dedication to high principles, she was passionately committed to the causes that inspired her.... such as special education & autism which were were very close to her heart.
She was gentle, compassionate, sweet and loving (except when I made her mad by messing up her kitchen)! She will continue to inspire us always as a very special and integral part of our lives. And our love remains as always with Rahul, Rajneesh, Shailey, Evan, Neel, Kristin and the rest of her family. God grant them the strength to weather this irreparable loss. May she Rest In Peace with the angels in God’s loving care.
Bubundi and I try to seek solace in the words of Henry Scott-Holland, a priest at St. Paul's Cathedral of London (1847 - 1918):
“Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still....”
Nina is the little sister I never had till she lit up my life at our wedding back in 1972 when she was just a high school kid. From “just a high school kid” she became one of the very few people I could relate to on the same wavelength - both intellectually and emotionally. And I feel honored that she placed so much trust in my wife Sreemati & me and showered us with such boundless love.
She was distinctively different - profoundly thoughtful and sensitive. She had a unique perspective and an extra-dimensional view of things invisible to the ordinary eye. ... As exemplified by the choice of her New Year greeting to us:
“And now we welcome the New Year
Full of things that have never been.”
... Rainer Maria Nike
Nina was truly exceptional in every way, not just academically or professionally. Blessed with an outstanding intellect & dedication to high principles, she was passionately committed to the causes that inspired her.... such as special education & autism which were were very close to her heart.
She was gentle, compassionate, sweet and loving (except when I made her mad by messing up her kitchen)! She will continue to inspire us always as a very special and integral part of our lives. And our love remains as always with Rahul, Rajneesh, Shailey, Evan, Neel, Kristin and the rest of her family. God grant them the strength to weather this irreparable loss. May she Rest In Peace with the angels in God’s loving care.
Bubundi and I try to seek solace in the words of Henry Scott-Holland, a priest at St. Paul's Cathedral of London (1847 - 1918):
“Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still....”
Nina, I still cannot believe you’re gone.... I know you’re in a better place, but you’re missed! So much!!!
I only knew her as Nintumashi, Nintu was her family name, and the word Mashi in Bengali language means aunt. She was a massive part of my close family and I met her when I was born in 1975. My Ma (mother) and her would talk almost everyday. 44 years of knowing someone very closely means almost a lifetime of memories, laughs, jokes, tears, lectures from her, and of course disciplining and so so much love. There is no doubt she was committed to ensuring that others succeed by understanding their potential and most importantly make their mark in this world. She took the initiative to understand others potential very well and pushed many including myself to reach that height and achieve something meaningful. She told me she was very proud of who I had become.
When I was 11 years old, she was my geography, English grammar and math teacher back in Calcutta, India and I will never forget those days, truth be told some of those days were very tough because she is tough :) she always pushed for excellence and even the most average student such as myself had no choice but to excel under her tutelage. She taught me hard work and persistency translated into excellent results and achieving that was a great feeling. Certainly a massive influencer in my life. Last year she visited me and my family in our home in IL, we loved having her and Rahul around, she enjoyed my cooking and chit chats, especially my jokes, she loved to relax at our home, she used to tell me she felt at peace, and this year she was planning to come in May......God took her too soon, I will never know why, but who am I to challenge God’s will therefore I simply ask the angels to welcome her and to take care of her the way she took care of everyone who walked into her life.
I adored YOU and I am having a very hard time processing that you won’t call, write, text or visit me anymore.
Nintumashi You will always be in my heart because in my heart you will always live on.
RIP (rest in peace)
Babua
When I was 11 years old, she was my geography, English grammar and math teacher back in Calcutta, India and I will never forget those days, truth be told some of those days were very tough because she is tough :) she always pushed for excellence and even the most average student such as myself had no choice but to excel under her tutelage. She taught me hard work and persistency translated into excellent results and achieving that was a great feeling. Certainly a massive influencer in my life. Last year she visited me and my family in our home in IL, we loved having her and Rahul around, she enjoyed my cooking and chit chats, especially my jokes, she loved to relax at our home, she used to tell me she felt at peace, and this year she was planning to come in May......God took her too soon, I will never know why, but who am I to challenge God’s will therefore I simply ask the angels to welcome her and to take care of her the way she took care of everyone who walked into her life.
I adored YOU and I am having a very hard time processing that you won’t call, write, text or visit me anymore.
Nintumashi You will always be in my heart because in my heart you will always live on.
RIP (rest in peace)
Babua
We are so deeply saddened and shocked to hear about our " Nintoo" . She was the "little sister" of one of our closest friends and we adopted her instantly as part of OUR Family....Gouri and I remember her infectious laughter and the widest grin that showed all of her shining teeth. Her all night endless "Adda" ( Chit Chat ) with Sree and Gouri was so loud and amusing -we never thought that beautiful noise could ever be silenced. She was such a caring and selfless individual who loved her students just as much....she will leave behind a big hole in our hearts. God bless her and her family....Bobby & Gouri Palit, Michigan
Dr. Saha was a beautiful person inside out. I was very fortunate to have Dr. Saha as my mentor and advisor while pursuing special education at Texas Southern. She always gave great advice and ensured that I was doing every thing necessary to obtain my degree. We all know how wonderful of a lady Dr. Saha was. She will be truly missed and never forgotten! Thank you Dr. Saha for the countless scoldings that impelled me to excel!
Love Rume
Love Rume
Dr. Saha was my mentor and advisor at Texas Southern University. She was an awesome Professor and dedicated her time to make sure we were at our best. She would always encourage me to become an advocate for students with disabilities. I will truly miss her and her advice. I will cherish each moment and all of the knowledge I received from her. I send my condolences to the family, friends, students, and all who had the opportunity to meet her. I dedicate my last semester at Texas Southern University to Dr. Saha.
With love
Special Education
Candice Omotosho
With love
Special Education
Candice Omotosho
What a blessing to have known and worked with Dr. Saha. I am deeply saddened by the passing of my professor, my advisor and my mentor. She was a tiny person in size but a great big personality.
I think it would be an understatement to say she expected excellence from me, along with her expectations was the confidence that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Dr. Saha you were so much more than words can express.
May the good Lord welcome you into his heavenly body.
Love always,
Danielle
I think it would be an understatement to say she expected excellence from me, along with her expectations was the confidence that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Dr. Saha you were so much more than words can express.
May the good Lord welcome you into his heavenly body.
Love always,
Danielle
What an amazing, determined and caring woman! The first time I worked and met Nina was 8 years ago at the first Hope For Three Board Retreat! She quickly shared her stance on inclusion. Nina always challenged my thinking process and never allowed me to settle for mediocre. We were working on a presentation for caregivers and my PhD program options last week! She made me believe that nothing was impossible and the only thing that stopped me from being brilliant was my own self! Gosh! I miss her- but at the same time I can imagine her saying “Sam, keep going! There’s a lot more work to be done”
Dr. Saha was my advisor and my mentor. She was committed to propelling her students to excellence. She took the extra time and effort to get me on track when I began the doctoral program. We attended the Warren Annual Fellowship Conference together. I would not be a Watren Fellow if she hadn’t encouraged me to apply and assisted me with my application. I interned with her and learned so much from her. She has always been there for me as I began teaching special education courses, freely sharing her knowledge and expertise. She has a special place in my heart forever. I love and miss you, Dr. Saha. Debra
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Recent Tributes
I have just learnt about her untimely death this morning, and am deeply saddened by it.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I first met Nina in 1985 in Calcutta,and recall the dedication with which she approached each of her assignments in REACH.
I also remember her telling me that she always wanted to live in a house with 7 dogs in it.
I am certain that those 7 dogs are still with her,wherever she may be.
See you on the other side,Nina!
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I first met Nina in 1985 in Calcutta,and recall the dedication with which she approached each of her assignments in REACH.
I also remember her telling me that she always wanted to live in a house with 7 dogs in it.
I am certain that those 7 dogs are still with her,wherever she may be.
See you on the other side,Nina!
For a long time I have prayed for God to send me friends. That is a prayer where you are specifically asking him to send you someone. I met Dr. Saha on the the day of her accident. I was by her side until she was taken away by ambulance. I could tell she was a kind person but I had no earthly idea he sent me an Angel. My own Mother had surgery the day of her services and I could not make it out for helping my Mother. I just want all to know that we should help people whenever we can. Sometimes you learn that those very people are just who God sent you. I leave you with this one scripture:
Mark 12:31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Love thy neighbor.
God Bless :-)
Mark 12:31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Love thy neighbor.
God Bless :-)
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Saha as one of my professors and my dissertation chair while studying at Texas Southern University. She was very compassionate about her role as a professor, training educators, and making this world a better place. I am so grateful for all the moral support and guidance Dr. Saha provided me, and it saddens me that she is no longer here.
Dr. Saha took pride in all that she did, and leaves a beautiful legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers to her husband, children, and extended family.
Dr. Saha took pride in all that she did, and leaves a beautiful legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers to her husband, children, and extended family.
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My Dearest Academic Advisor and Professor
I am still trying to process this as I am sure everyone is. To Dr. Saha's family and friends, may your peace surpass all understanding. I will forever be grateful to you for allowing her love for life and education to be shared with us. Thank you Dr. Saha for making us strive for greatness. Your presence will forever be missed.