Obituary of Dr. Leela Rao

DR. LEELA RAO

LOUDONVILLE – Leela Rao, born in Pileru, Chittoor District, was the beloved daughter of Naradamuni Naidu and Mrs. Miriyala Nagaratnamma. 

As the second eldest of seven siblings, Leela was a pillar of strength and support for her entire family. She completed her schooling in Pileru and pursued her pre-university studies at Sri Padmavathi College in Tirupathi in 1963. Her academic journey led her to Ruai Medical College, Sri Venkateswara Medical University (SVC), where she earned her MBBS (MD) degree from 1963 to 1970.
Dr. Rao began her medical career at TB Sanatorium in Madanapalle before earning her OB/GYN Diploma (DGO) in Kurnool and gaining experience as an OB/GYN in JIPMER Hospital, Pondicherry. 

On June 9th 1978, she married her beloved husband Tony Rao, and together they moved to the U.S. to pursue the American dream. They lived in Jersey City, NJ while she worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr.Rao’s impactful career continued in Shreveport, Louisiana and in 1986, they moved to Poughkeepsie, NY where Dr.Rao worked at Hudson River Psychiatric Center and joined the New York State psychiatric system. After relocating to Albany, she joined the Capital District Psychiatric Center (CDPC), where she worked in inpatient services, the crisis unit and outpatient clinics in Schenectady, retiring after 30 years of service in May 2016.

Dr.Rao’s colleagues at CDPC remember her for her profound wisdom, humor, kindness and compassion, in short, “she had a heart of gold”. A dedicated resident of Albany for nearly 36 years, she was an active community member and a generous philanthropist, supporting several charities including the Albany Hindu Temple.

Dr. Leela Rao sadly passed away on September 11, 2024, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in Manhattan, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her son Sandy, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, granddaughters Vivian Meera & Nina Vani, her siblings Lalitha, Kusuma, Vanaja, Sarathy and sister-in-law Prameela and brother-in-law Vishnuvardhan. She leaves behind many loving in-laws, nephews, nieces, extended family and several endearing friends & colleagues. 
Sandy Rao & his family extend their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and kindness shown during this time. 

Leela Rao was a remarkable woman whose love and guidance will be missed immensely. She was a guardian angel to her family and will continue to be cherished in their hearts for generations.
May Her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. A service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com for further information.