Mahendra Chhaganlal Parekh passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at 9:40pm surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and brother in his home in Seabrook Island, South Carolina at the age of 87. Dr. Parekh was born in Mumbi, India on August 27, 1938, to Chhaganlal and Kamla Parekh. He was a devoted son and brother, caring for his siblings in a paternal manner and always helping his mother in the kitchen. Dr. Parekh completed medical school at Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College in Mumbi, India in 1961.
After completing his medical degree, Dr. Parekh immigrated to New York City in 1962 to complete his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Jacobi Hospital and Lincoln Hospital. On October 1, 1967, he married Sharda (Sujata) Madhavaji Pathak in Mumbai, India. Dr. Parekh and Sharda welcomed their first child, Ami Mahendra Parekh, in Bronx, New York. In 1969, the family moved to Montreal, Canada, where Dr. Parekh received additional training in infertility at McGill University. While living in Montreal, their second child, Ketki Parekh Mougey, was born. In 1971, Dr. Parekh and his family moved to Queens, New York.
In 1972, the family moved to Findlay, Ohio, where Dr. Parekh worked as an OBGYN. Their third child, Samir Mahendra Parekh, was born. Dr. Parekh was not only a devoted family member, but also an outstanding physician and community member. He was a deep believer in women’s rights and supporting women, which was a key motivator for his specialization in OBGYN. He opened a solo practice focused on gynecology and infertility, while also serving as the director of Planned Parenthood in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Parekh retired in 2012, closing a meaningful chapter of medical service to his community.
In 2019, Dr. Parekh was diagnosed with dementia, a journey he faced with the same humor and grace that defined his life. To all who knew him, he was larger than life; his personality filled every room he entered. He had a mischievous sense of humor and was a true jokester, bringing joy to family, friends, and his patients. Dr. Parekh was famous for his “lectures” and the life lessons that came with them. He believed deeply in exercising every day, calling your parents daily, studying hard, and living close to family – values that remain deeply woven into the lives of those he leaves behind.
Dr. Parekh’s proudest accomplishment was the family he built. His love for them was steadfast. His wife, Sharda, was the love of his life and his second half. Sharda and Dr. Parekh shared a beautiful and prosperous marriage, celebrating their 58-year anniversary this year. Their marriage was full of grace, patience, and unwavering devotion to each other. Their relationship was a testament to enduring love, and a partnership that inspires those around them. More than anything, Dr. Parekh was a man defined by his selflessness. He never hesitated to help his loved ones or community members – from buying meals to offering rides to anyone who needed help or covering the cost of medical procedures for patients who could not afford them. He was a strong advocate for education and supported the academic pursuits of his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He encouraged peace and calm during times of trouble and was a true grounding force for his family.
His second proudest accomplishment was the home he built on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Seabrook Island was his paradise; he bought their property in 1976 after visiting the island for a work conference. The Parekh family vacationed there every year as Ami, Ketki, and Samir grew up. Dr. Parekh and Sharda permanently retired in Seabrook in 2015. His favorite place on earth was his swivel chair, which faced the marsh and the pond – land he proudly proclaimed, “no one else could build on”. He enjoyed many cups of coffee ice cream in that chair, one that now remains empty in his absence.
Dr. Parekh found great beauty in music, especially in the lyrics of Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, and Lata Mangeshkar. He also deeply connected with his granddaughter Maya Mougey’s songwriting and music. Dr. Parekh aged gracefully, in both spirit and strength. At 85 years old, he famously defeated every family member in an arm-wrestling competition (and no, they did not let him win). He delighted in simple pleasures, especially driving around Seabrook Island. And, true to his playful nature, he loved free items – never hesitating to take more than one when the opportunity arose. Those around him will miss his signature greeting: “howdy”. Dr. Parekh’s family will celebrate him by enjoying his favorite foods – egg and cheese biscuits from McDonalds, Domino’s pizza (well done), cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Haagen-Dazs coffee ice cream.
Mahendra Parekh is preceded in death by Chhaganlal and Kamla Parekh. He is survived by his wife, Sharda (Sujata) Parekh, his three children, Ami Parekh [Matt Artz], Ketki Mougey [Doug], Samir Parekh [Tanvi Dhere], six grandchildren, Sharda Mougey, Maya Mougey, Anjali Artz, Sahana Artz, Riya Parekh, Raina Parekh, and siblings, Hasmukh Parekh, Bharti Vora, Arvind Parekh, and Shashank Parekh.
A cremation ceremony was held privately for immediate family members in South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinsons Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983&tribute=true.
After completing his medical degree, Dr. Parekh immigrated to New York City in 1962 to complete his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Jacobi Hospital and Lincoln Hospital. On October 1, 1967, he married Sharda (Sujata) Madhavaji Pathak in Mumbai, India. Dr. Parekh and Sharda welcomed their first child, Ami Mahendra Parekh, in Bronx, New York. In 1969, the family moved to Montreal, Canada, where Dr. Parekh received additional training in infertility at McGill University. While living in Montreal, their second child, Ketki Parekh Mougey, was born. In 1971, Dr. Parekh and his family moved to Queens, New York.
In 1972, the family moved to Findlay, Ohio, where Dr. Parekh worked as an OBGYN. Their third child, Samir Mahendra Parekh, was born. Dr. Parekh was not only a devoted family member, but also an outstanding physician and community member. He was a deep believer in women’s rights and supporting women, which was a key motivator for his specialization in OBGYN. He opened a solo practice focused on gynecology and infertility, while also serving as the director of Planned Parenthood in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Parekh retired in 2012, closing a meaningful chapter of medical service to his community.
In 2019, Dr. Parekh was diagnosed with dementia, a journey he faced with the same humor and grace that defined his life. To all who knew him, he was larger than life; his personality filled every room he entered. He had a mischievous sense of humor and was a true jokester, bringing joy to family, friends, and his patients. Dr. Parekh was famous for his “lectures” and the life lessons that came with them. He believed deeply in exercising every day, calling your parents daily, studying hard, and living close to family – values that remain deeply woven into the lives of those he leaves behind.
Dr. Parekh’s proudest accomplishment was the family he built. His love for them was steadfast. His wife, Sharda, was the love of his life and his second half. Sharda and Dr. Parekh shared a beautiful and prosperous marriage, celebrating their 58-year anniversary this year. Their marriage was full of grace, patience, and unwavering devotion to each other. Their relationship was a testament to enduring love, and a partnership that inspires those around them. More than anything, Dr. Parekh was a man defined by his selflessness. He never hesitated to help his loved ones or community members – from buying meals to offering rides to anyone who needed help or covering the cost of medical procedures for patients who could not afford them. He was a strong advocate for education and supported the academic pursuits of his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He encouraged peace and calm during times of trouble and was a true grounding force for his family.
His second proudest accomplishment was the home he built on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Seabrook Island was his paradise; he bought their property in 1976 after visiting the island for a work conference. The Parekh family vacationed there every year as Ami, Ketki, and Samir grew up. Dr. Parekh and Sharda permanently retired in Seabrook in 2015. His favorite place on earth was his swivel chair, which faced the marsh and the pond – land he proudly proclaimed, “no one else could build on”. He enjoyed many cups of coffee ice cream in that chair, one that now remains empty in his absence.
Dr. Parekh found great beauty in music, especially in the lyrics of Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, and Lata Mangeshkar. He also deeply connected with his granddaughter Maya Mougey’s songwriting and music. Dr. Parekh aged gracefully, in both spirit and strength. At 85 years old, he famously defeated every family member in an arm-wrestling competition (and no, they did not let him win). He delighted in simple pleasures, especially driving around Seabrook Island. And, true to his playful nature, he loved free items – never hesitating to take more than one when the opportunity arose. Those around him will miss his signature greeting: “howdy”. Dr. Parekh’s family will celebrate him by enjoying his favorite foods – egg and cheese biscuits from McDonalds, Domino’s pizza (well done), cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Haagen-Dazs coffee ice cream.
Mahendra Parekh is preceded in death by Chhaganlal and Kamla Parekh. He is survived by his wife, Sharda (Sujata) Parekh, his three children, Ami Parekh [Matt Artz], Ketki Mougey [Doug], Samir Parekh [Tanvi Dhere], six grandchildren, Sharda Mougey, Maya Mougey, Anjali Artz, Sahana Artz, Riya Parekh, Raina Parekh, and siblings, Hasmukh Parekh, Bharti Vora, Arvind Parekh, and Shashank Parekh.
A cremation ceremony was held privately for immediate family members in South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinsons Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983&tribute=true.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mahendra Chhaganlal Parekh, please visit our flower store.
Mahendra Chhaganlal Parekh's Guestbook
Visits: 17
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors