August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023
i think about Reema almost daily. To this day, Reema is still and always will be, one of the best friends and person I've been blessed to touch my life. Will love and miss her for the rest of my life. Susie
On August 11, 2016, Dr. Reema Arora, beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister, departed from this life with family by her side. Born on August 20, 1973, in California, she returned there as an adult after being raised and educated in the Midwest. Reema earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry with honors at The University of Kansas. She then pursued medical studies at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Her nickname there, Dreama Adora, reflects the love and affection she inspired in her classmates. She completed her medical training as an anesthesiologist at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. After graduating, she fulfilled her plan to return to the West Coast and became a dedicated partner in the CASE Medical Group. Reema married in 2006 and two years later gave birth to a beautiful daughter Eva.
Reema is remembered by her friends, colleagues and family for a razor wit and an unflappable efficiency. She pushed herself to the limit and beyond for love, for work, and for life. We remember her vitality in vivid brush strokes: a broad smile, gleaming hair, and eyes that could topple one with laughter in just a glance. Her love for her daughter Eva was also greater than words, a boundless embrace that we are confident continues from the great beyond.
Reema leaves behind her husband Alan Van Stralen, their daughter Eva, parents Dr. Raj and Sushma Arora, and her sister Dr. Alisha Arora. She is remembered also by innumerable friends, colleagues and patients who were graced with her easy laugh and kindness. She is missed dearly and will be missed for lifetimes to come.
On the afternoon of Sunday, September 25th a memorial service will be held to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of Reema. Please join us at the Flower Farm located at 4150 Auburn Folsom Rd in Loomis. Guests will be welcomed beginning at 1:30, the service will begin at 2:00, and after the service please stay to share and enjoy drinks, appetizers and, most importantly, memories of Reema. If you will be attending please kindly RSVP by September 15th at ReemaRSVP@gmail.com.
Remembrances of Reema are also being collected for the benefit of her daughter Eva, now only 8 years old, so that years from now she will have a clearer understanding of what a beautiful and amazing person her mother was. Please consider writing a letter or note to Eva telling her about Reema, how you knew her, what she was like, what she meant to you, etc., and send it to ReemaRSVP@gmail.com. Please feel free to include photographs or anything else that you would like to share with Eva. All responses will be compiled into a booklet that Eva will cherish forever.
Reema found great solace and strength during her journey with cancer in the loving support given by Wellness Within Cancer Support Services in Roseville CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation. http://wellnesswithin.org/donate/make-a-donation/
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August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023
I'm lighting a virtual candle for Reema today - Diptyque, I imagine she would like. It's a gift to see Eva grow and keep a bit of Reema present in our lives. I hope also that all of Reema's wonderful friends are doing well and living life as fully as she did. I have been wearing a sweatshirt of hers a lot lately because it's better than any of mine. I realized yesterday that I have worn it more often now than she would have, and at that moment I think I heard a voice whisper with great sarcasm, "You're welcome."
August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022
Dear Alan and Eva, there is scarcely a week that goes by that memories of our experiences with Reema fail to bring a smile. We are fortunate to have shared some time with someone so caring and lovely. Sending grateful hugs, Kelvin and Cheryl Mark
August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022
Reema is always in my thoughts. Sometimes something or someone will remind me of her. Her friendship and presence is greatly missed.
Happy Birthday Reema.
Your friend,
Susie
Happy Birthday Reema.
Your friend,
Susie
August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022
Another year has passed that Reema is gone but not forgotten. To her good friends, I hope you all continue to weather the ups and downs of life with the same compassion and humor that she had described to me. We will celebrate her upcoming birthday with overpriced and trendy sushi in her honor. Cheers to all who love and remember Reema.
August 13, 2020
August 13, 2020
Thinking of Reema. Every beautiful Indian woman I see, I think of you. Miss you so much.
Susie
Susie
February 28, 2020
February 28, 2020
I miss you now just as much as I did the day you left your earthly body .... the way we laughed so hard I would almost fall off my chair... the way you always greeted me with “ my Sanjini”... I will forever have a hole in my heart. Today I received the news that I will have the opportunity to interview for anesthesia school ... I missed you ... you were the one that was suppose to guide me through this - you were the one that was going to teach me how to sneak snacks into the OR
There will never be another you .... forever missed ... forever loved
There will never be another you .... forever missed ... forever loved
August 15, 2019
August 15, 2019
I miss you very much Ree. I miss you in the operating room. And I miss your unconditional friendship.
Forever missed. And Forever in my heart.
Susie
Forever missed. And Forever in my heart.
Susie
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
We miss you every day, Reema. You were a happy fixture and a lifegiving force at Alhambra Surgery Center. You brought levity, compassion, and professionalism to our workplace. You made Alhambra a better place to work. Patients, surgeons, and staff all loved you! We all so miss you dearly. Personally, you were a close friend to me both in health and when we were REALLY sick. Somehow I'm still here, at least for now, but that's at least in part because you gave me strength and inspired me to get up and keep fighting. You were super strong and always with that wry sense of humor. Because if you're going to suffer, you might as well do it with grit and attitude! You definitely made LVAD a fashion statement. Nobody looked better slinging that device than you. I draw a tear for you, Reema, every August 11th that I'm still here and every time I think of you, which is often.
September 22, 2018
September 22, 2018
There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of our daughter Reema, whether it is the thought of having lunch or dinner with her or going out somewhere or just planning the future that did not unfold as expected. We are reminiscent of several painful surgeries, followed by extended follow-ups that she endured very valiantly. We admire her will to overcome her serious health problems. She kept her spirits up by attending peaceful, uplifting retreats and listening to positive stories.
We will always remember her perseverance to overcome these obstacles for the love of her daughter Eva. Eva is a splendid example of good genes and nurturing. Loss of a parent has profound and lasting impact on a child. Experience suggests that she will miss her mother even more when she grows up; our thoughts and best wishes are with her.
We will always remember her perseverance to overcome these obstacles for the love of her daughter Eva. Eva is a splendid example of good genes and nurturing. Loss of a parent has profound and lasting impact on a child. Experience suggests that she will miss her mother even more when she grows up; our thoughts and best wishes are with her.
August 20, 2018
August 20, 2018
Today on Reema's birthday we miss her no less than two years ago when she was forced to leave us. I remember her in happy times, Eva, like the first time we went to Disneyworld, on travels around the globe together, and when she graduated from medical school. I remember also her happiness when her life grew to include your dad and later you, like the first time she introduced me to your Dad, and when she told me they were expecting you, and of course the laughter and cuddles she loved sharing with you anytime. Eva, let her courage be an inspiration to you in difficult moments, and know her love for you guided her and gave her strength in her difficult times. Alan, through Reema and Eva you will always be a part of our family. We wish you well as you continue to make your way in life so unexpectedly without your life's partner. Much love from us all.
August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
Dear Alan and Eva, rare does a day go by where Reema's memory does not cross my mind. Such is the loving nature, with levity, humor, compassion, and caring, in which Reema indelibly touched me and so many and continues to do so. We miss her so deeply, wishing that she could be here to continue life's adventures. Eva, you are your mother and father's most true treasure. Your happiness is their happiness so continue living the best and most meaningful life that you possibly can. Your friends, Kelvin and Cheryl
October 2, 2016
October 2, 2016
Eva,
Aunti Jen and I didn't know Reema as well as we wanted to. We moved to California shortly before your mom got sick. The times we did spend together were enjoyable. She was a gracious host when we were invited over. She was a warm and friendly person and had a sharp wit. We will miss her.
Uncle Dan
Aunti Jen and I didn't know Reema as well as we wanted to. We moved to California shortly before your mom got sick. The times we did spend together were enjoyable. She was a gracious host when we were invited over. She was a warm and friendly person and had a sharp wit. We will miss her.
Uncle Dan
September 25, 2016
September 25, 2016
Dear Alan and Eva, words are insufficient to express the depth of our sorrow at your loss. Unimaginable and immeasurable are the many ways in which Reema had touched so many lives and will continue to touch through the legacy of caring and love that she leaves behind in this world. Eva, we came across these photos of Alan and Reema at your baby shower. Is it not amazing to see your mother's and father's picture when you were growing and before you were born? Without a doubt, one can see the hopes and dreams for your every happiness reflected in your mother's eyes and smile, and in your father's beaming demeanor. Life is perhaps the most fragile treasure that we can encounter. You are your mom and dad's true treasure. We are confident that you will remember and honor your mother every moment of every day by living the best life that you possibly can, always remembering that when you are happy, so too are your mom and dad. Your happiness is their happiness. With Love, Kelvin and Cheryl
September 13, 2016
September 13, 2016
I will always remember the beautiful girl with the big brown eyes that made my son happy. Now that happiness can continue with their precious daughter, Eva.
September 12, 2016
September 12, 2016
Dearest Raj Uncle, Sushma Aunty, Alisha...
How I would have loved meet Reema's husband and daughter and enjoy reuniting after so many years. I thought that would happen when we reconnected not very long ago. I was so excited to be in touch...I had no idea that she was battling something so big. I have my memories of being so young and each other's company at dinner parties and our friendship through what could have been a tough teen experience: freshman year in high school! Thank goodness we endured it, hand-in-hand, together. If it weren't for her wonderful humor, I don't think I would have had a good start at all. Her attention to fashion and how she always seemed to walk a catwalk, even though it was a high school hallway. The many sleepovers that were spent laughing and giggling into the wee hours. Many innocent secrets kept...it was always nice to have that confidante that I had in her.
My deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers to the family.
How I would have loved meet Reema's husband and daughter and enjoy reuniting after so many years. I thought that would happen when we reconnected not very long ago. I was so excited to be in touch...I had no idea that she was battling something so big. I have my memories of being so young and each other's company at dinner parties and our friendship through what could have been a tough teen experience: freshman year in high school! Thank goodness we endured it, hand-in-hand, together. If it weren't for her wonderful humor, I don't think I would have had a good start at all. Her attention to fashion and how she always seemed to walk a catwalk, even though it was a high school hallway. The many sleepovers that were spent laughing and giggling into the wee hours. Many innocent secrets kept...it was always nice to have that confidante that I had in her.
My deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers to the family.
September 9, 2016
September 9, 2016
Alan and Eva and to all of Reema's family and friends: I am sure I am echoing what has been said and what will be said about Reema by all who have known her. Such a bright light and a true inspiration as the wife of one of my closest friends. As we travel through life we are fortunate to cross paths with someone of such intelligence, grace, humor, courage and compassion. Thank you Reema for all you have touched and for being what you became: a wonderful person.
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August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023
i think about Reema almost daily. To this day, Reema is still and always will be, one of the best friends and person I've been blessed to touch my life. Will love and miss her for the rest of my life. Susie
August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023
I'm lighting a virtual candle for Reema today - Diptyque, I imagine she would like. It's a gift to see Eva grow and keep a bit of Reema present in our lives. I hope also that all of Reema's wonderful friends are doing well and living life as fully as she did. I have been wearing a sweatshirt of hers a lot lately because it's better than any of mine. I realized yesterday that I have worn it more often now than she would have, and at that moment I think I heard a voice whisper with great sarcasm, "You're welcome."
August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022
Dear Alan and Eva, there is scarcely a week that goes by that memories of our experiences with Reema fail to bring a smile. We are fortunate to have shared some time with someone so caring and lovely. Sending grateful hugs, Kelvin and Cheryl Mark
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Four years feels like four days. Missing you always. A
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Missing Reema near her birthday
August 20, 2018
Reema is always in my heart & thoughts.
forever faithful friend
Susie Edwards
August 20, 2018
by Chetna Funk
Thinking of you more this year as my eldest starts high school. I remember being so lucky to have you to go through our Freshman year together. She finally had an emotional moment last week...where I thought she had it all together, she explained how everyone was so much older and it was hard to get around and there's no way it's going to get better. And then that same feeling hit me like a brick wall. But I remember having you there to cushion the blow. Good friends do that. I hope you knew this. Thank you for that gift.
October 4, 2016
I am truly blessed to have known Reema professionally and personally. Reema was always calm and cool in the operating room. Her dry sense of humor drew me to her the first day I met her. Reema was special in every way. She was loyal, kind and real. She knew the world wasn't just black or white. She understood the grey areas of life. She didn't judge. I miss her friendship, her beautiful smile and kind ways. I think of her everyday and always will. I am a better person having known Reema. Thank you Reema for the privilege of having you in my life. And as Reema would say....Indeed! : ) Susie Edwards
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