The founder of major developers Challenge Group of Companies, Vidya Ben Patel, was laid to rest at the Lovu Crematorium in Lautoka on Tuesday.
Mrs Vidya Patel, the wife of business tycoon Suresh Patel, died at the William Harvey Hospital in Willesborough in Ashford, United Kingdom, on September 5.
She was remembered at an intimate ceremony held at the Girmit Center where prominent members of Fiji’s business community gathered to pay their final respects.
A longtime friend of the late Mrs Patel, Rina Datt, said she was a remarkable person who made an impact on the lives of the people she came across.
“She aspired to build a nurturing nursing home in Fiji,”Mrs Datt said.
“Bhabi had countless dreams and aspirations and an unwavering dedication, especially to the Lautoka School of Special Education and the Golden Age Home.
“She displayed remarkable selflessness, never allowing the opportunity to be repaid for her boundless kindness and sacrifice.
“She leaves behind a profound and enduring legacy that will echo through the years to come.”
Mrs Datt said Mrs Patel was also very committed to her family. Mrs Patel is survived by husband Suresh Patel, daughter Pretisha Patel and son-in-law Kapil Jekishan.
Apart from being the founder of the Challenge Group of Companies, she was also the director of Automart Ltd.
