Anjali Saxena
Memorial Service:
Sunday
January 19, 2025
1PM - 3PM
John Krtil Funeral Home
1297 1st Ave
New York, NY 10021
Anjali Chatterjee Saxena, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Biology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, passed away in New York City on January 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Lucknow, India to a prominent West Bengal family in 1930, Anjali spent her childhood and school years with her grandparents in Lucknow and summers at Uttarpara, her father’s family estate outside of Kolkata (then Calcutta). She grew up amongst a galaxy of individuals -- freedom fighters, painters, performing artists and educators. Her parents and grandparents recognized early on that Anjali was an exceptional student and encouraged her studies. Starting in 5th grade, she rose at 5 a.m. for her private Sanskrit lesson arranged by her father. Her grandfather would drill her on Shakespeare. Her grandmother mesmerized her with tales of the Hindu deities. Her mother encouraged her love of poetry and helped her learn English.
After graduating from high school, Anjali enrolled as the only female in her science program at the University of Lucknow. There, she met her future husband Brij Saxena—they were each top of their class—with whom she shared a passion for both science and music. (Both were gifted singers and supported themselves by singing on All India Radio. Later in the US, both were integral in the Indian community’s local artistic/cultural activities.) In 1953, they married by choice, a rare occurrence at that time. She worked as a Junior Scientific Officer at the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow, but soon, she and her husband were both offered scholarships to doctorate programs at the University of Münster in Germany. When Anjali arrived, she didn't speak a word of German but ended up excelling in both her PhD studies and the language. After returning to India for several years, in 1962, she and her two young sons joined her husband in the US. Raising their family in Englewood, NJ, Anjali taught for over 40 years at Seton Hall University and Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, retiring as Professor Emerita. Anjali mentored countless students and also continued research in animal behavior, endocrinology, and, most recently, magnetic resonance. Her husband became the Harold and Percy Uris Professor of Reproductive Biology at Cornell Weill/NY-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan.
Anjali was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Brij. B. Saxena, and her son Sanjeet Saxena. She is survived and mourned by her son Ranjeet Saxena; her son's daughter Jaya and her mother Beth Johnson; her daughter-in-law Rochelle and her daughters Kiara and Alika; her brother Aparajit Chattopadhyay; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like, the family asks that you make a donation to:
SOFKIN
World Wildlife Fund
NYC's Wild Bird Fund
New Title
IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”