Devoted Mother & Grandmother
Dec. 12, 1937 - Nov. 5, 2025
Chander Kanta Bahal (nee Chowdhary), cherished mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at Bayshore Assisted Living in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Born on December 12, 1937, in Jhung Punjab, India, to Hargobind and Chandravati Chowdhary, she lived a life dedicated to her family.
Chander was a remarkable woman of intellect and compassion. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Pharmacy from Bombay University (now the University of Mumbai) before pursuing her Master of Science in Pharmacy at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Her successful career in drug development at Wyeth Laboratories saw her sharing pharmaceutical patents with her husband, Surendra. However, her true calling was as a devoted mother, and she made the heartfelt decision to care for her daughters full-time, creating a nurturing and loving home.
She shared a life-long love of puzzles, word/number/logic games and reading to her grandchildren. It was a special treat for the grandchildren to have “sleepovers” with grandma. She also loved to travel and she and her husband, Surendra, spent summers enjoyed traveling with family.
Chander was known for her kindness. Her passion for Indian cooking brought joy to many. She took pleasure in spending quality time with family and friends, often hosting gatherings filled with laughter. Her five grandchildren—Sean, Evan, and Neena O’Mara, along with Carina and Andrew Davis—were the lights of her life, and she delighted in doting on them.
Chander will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and her ability to make others feel special. She is predeceased by her husband, Surendra Mohan Bahal, who passed away in January 2025 and is survived by her daughters, Neeta (Ed) O’Mara of Hilton Head Island, SC (previously Skillman, NJ) and Neelam Davis (Richard Hesson) of Skillman, NJ, and her beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by many family members, including two brothers and their families, in India.
In accordance with her wishes, a private cremation will be held. Her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family thanks friends who have expressed their condolences and shared memories in honor of Chander’s remarkable life. Simplicity Cremation Bluffton is serving the family.■
