Kumuda Vrishabhendra

Kumuda Vrishabhendra passed peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Kumuda came to the U.S. from Mysore, India in 1972 to join her husband, Madappa Vrishabhendra (Vishu), who was studying for his master’s degree in civil and structural engineering at the University of Mississippi. Kumuda began her career as a teacher in the Eufaula City School System in Eufaula, AL where her husband had started working as a design engineer at American Building Company. Kumuda was known lovingly as “Ms. Kim” by her students, fellow teachers, and staff when she taught at Bluff City Elementary School. After teaching elementary school students for a number of years, she moved to Admiral Moorer Middle School where she taught English and Social studies for 27 years before retiring. After some time, she realized she missed teaching and decided to work as a substitute teacher in various schools throughout Columbus for a number of years.

Her marriage to Vishu on May 15, 1960 was called a “love marriage.” This was considered rare in India back then, as most marriages were arranged by the families of both the potential bride and groom. Together, they enjoyed a beautiful marriage of 63 years. Kumuda is survived by her husband, her two children Madhukesh (Leela) Vrishabhendra and Bindu (Jason) Vrishabhendra, and her grandchildren Benak, Barath, and Kiran.

Kumuda enjoyed a long and full life with Vishu. Together they traveled to many places around the world, including France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Egypt, and Greece. Along with her passion for teaching and traveling, she enjoyed cooking, knitting, reading, and spending time with her family in both India and the U.S. She was the third oldest child of 11 siblings. She was cherished and adored by her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as her family, friends, and students, and will be missed by all.