Dr. Nazneen Sada Mayadas, Professor Emerita of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas Arlington, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2015, at her home. Truly a global citizen, Dr. Mayadas lived, worked, consulted and travelled in over 150 countries. Born in Lucknow, India, Nazneen came to the United States in 1959, holding the degrees of Bachelor of Arts from Lucknow University and Master of Arts from Allahabad University, both in India. She received a Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and a doctorate in Social Work from Washington University, St Louis. Dr. Mayadas served on the faculties of St. Louis University and The University of Texas at Arlington, where she established herself as a prolific researcher, scholar, award winning teacher, and tireless contributor to the advancement of the profession. She also served as visiting professor on the faculties of Smith College, Washington University, St Louis and the University of Wales, Cardiff. At the time of her retirement in 2006, she had practiced social work for 50 years in India, Canada, The United States, and in her capacity as Chief of Social Services in the Office of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland. She practiced in many countries and continents of the world working for better conditions for refugees. Personally, Dr. Mayadas evidenced a joy in life, a strong interest in others and the world, and fearlessness in facing challenges. She was loved by students and colleagues alike and was a mentor to hundreds. Her friends and family viewed her as open minded, warm, generous, and strong, with values and standards to be emulated.
Dr. Mayadas featured as one of 15 women in Professor Alice Lieberman's 2010 book, Women in social work who have changed the world. On hearing of her passing, Alice wrote,
I will always remember her not so much walking into a room, as levitating in, sari flowing, and totally mysterious to us unpolished Texas rubes (sic). She was the kind of person you wished you were, but knew that the raw material was JUST NOT THERE. There will just never be anyone like her. So very, very sorry.
Dr. Mayadas is survived by her partner of 30 years Dr. Doreen Elliott, a nephew Dr. Vivodh Anand and his spouse Dr. Bernadette, a niece Dr. Uma Segal and husband Dr. Madhav, great nephews to Rajive Anand, Kenneth Anand (Safia), Zubin Segal (Kasey), Sahil Segal, to whom she was a special aunt/mashima, generous with her affection and interest, and great, grand nephews, Alexander & Deven Anand.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 8, 2015 at St Albans Episcopal Church 911 South Davis Drive Arlington Texas 76013. ? In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to:
The Bishop Anand Resource Center
Episcopal Diocese of Newark
31 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Contact: Jane Jubilee, Director
Tel: 973-430-9902
email: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 23, 2015
Your smile and warmth will be so missed by all Nazneen. You touched my life and I will think of you with great affection.
usha batra
June 8, 2015
Mike Prior
My dissertation chair, my mentor, my role model for intellect and grace. She was largely responsible for me actually making it through the doctoral program. A cherished gift for many of us - whose spirit and love still bouy us and guide us. We will continue to hold her in our hearts as time goes by. Her presence in our lives echoes through us into the lives of our students. Mike Prior
June 8, 2015
Jane Hickerson
Dr. Mayadas was an elegant intellect whose global footprint left the world better that she found it. We were privileged to know her. Our care and sympathies to Doreen and other family, Janie and Hal Hickerson
June 7, 2015
Rajeev and Mala Sareen
Nazneen Aunty was a beautiful person. We will always remember her fondly. Our heartfelt condolences to Uma Aunty, Doreen, and all the family.
Regards, Rajeev and Mala
June 7, 2015
Catheleen Jordan
Nazneen was always there to serve as a role model, mentor and friend for students and faculty, including myself. Her counsel was always wise, gracious and witty. Nazneen's beautiful, calm countenance belied her strong resolve. She always had her say, and it was beautiful to hear! One could stop by her office any time for a cup of tea and a word of advice. She told me once to file things in my merit folder ASAP to avoid panic at the last minute. While I didn't take advantage of this advice, she was of course right as usual! Nazneen left a huge gap at the school of social work when she retired that will never, and could never, be filled by anyone. My deepest sympathies to Doreen and to her family. Catheleen Jordan
June 7, 2015
Vijayan Pillai
"She brought her cheer , knowledge, and zest for life to every one who she knew. Like many, I owe her much. My prayers for Doreen during these difficult times." Vijayan K. Pillai and Ann C kelley (Arlington, Tx).
June 6, 2015
Richard Hoefer
Nazneen was the consummate colleague--wise, measured, and with strong opinions based on years of experience. She has been missed since retirement and will be missed even more now.
June 6, 2015
Zubin Segal
Nazneen, or Mashima, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, will always be a beacon of knowledge, love, laughter and wonderment to each of us. In life, the path to being true to ourselves was illuminated by Mashima's guidance and pure love. In parting, her brilliance is now among the stars - showing us the way once again.
June 6, 2015
Sherry Fairchild
Dr. Mayadas will be truly missed by who knew her. Praying for Doreen and the family members during this parting. Thank you for sharing the gift of Nazneen with us!!
June 5, 2015
Sherry Fairchild
Dr. Nazneen Mayadas was a Guding Light....a true Beacon for all Social Workers! I am thankful for the academic guidance she provided me during my UTA doctorate and for the friendship and fun we shared. She was an authentic role model who demosrated the best values as a Christian, scholar, teacher, advocate for social injustice. She will be missed and cherished by me and others. I am praying for Doreen and Nazneen's family. Thank you for sharing the gift of Nazneen with us!!
June 5, 2015
Sherry Fairchild
Dr. Nazneen Mayadas was a Guding Light....a true Beacon for all Social Workers! I am thankful for the academic guidance she provided me during my UTA doctorate and for the friendship and fun we shared. She was an authentic role model who demosrated the best values as a Christian, scholar, teacher, advocate for social injustice. She will be missed and cherished by me and others. I am praying for Doreen and Nazneen's family. Thank you for sharing the gift of Nazneen with us!!
June 5, 2015
I will miss our visits. I will miss the wonderful accents of Nazneen and Doreen and the love and care they exhibited toward each other.
Kevin Conner
June 4, 2015
Barbara Curry Daniel Reagan
It was our joy to meet Nazneen in the company of Doreen. What an inspiration to all and especially to all women of the world. My heart goes out to Doreen and the rest of Nazneen family of the world.
June 4, 2015
Patricia McArdle
Dr. Mayadas was an inspiration to me and so many others.She will surely shine bright as a star overhead the Earth. My sincere condolences to Dr. Elliott - another inspirational guide in my life.
June 4, 2015
Doreen,
I am so sorry for your loss. My mom was so happy to have you and Nazneen as friends. God bless you with peace!
All my best,
Linette Grenier
June 3, 2015
Scott Legge
Dr. Mayadas,
Your contributions to enhance the quality of life for all people is legendary. You are truly an inspiration to social workers and will be truly missed.
Scott Legge
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