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/
Tributes
Leave a tributeHappy Birthday Reema.
Your friend,
Susie
Susie
There will never be another you .... forever missed ... forever loved
Forever missed. And Forever in my heart.
Susie
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.
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
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.
Leave a Tribute
Missing Reema near her birthday
Reema is always in my heart & thoughts.
forever faithful friend
Susie Edwards
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.
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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