Early Christmas morning, December 25th, 2023, Parvati (Patti) Mittapalli fell asleep in The LORD at the age of 84 with her husband by her side. She was a beloved and loyal wife, mother, ammamma (grandmother), sister, sister-in-law, aunty and friend who enjoyed many years of an active lifestyle.

Parvati was born in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India to Nagaratnamma and Ramabrahmam Kancharla on January 19th, 1939. She was the youngest of 10 siblings and was deeply loved by all who knew her. She lost her father when she was seven years old and was raised by her doting mother with the help of her adoring older brothers. Her father built the Ramakrishna Mission serving men, women and children without distinction of caste, religion or race because they see the living God in them. He founded the Prema Samajam (Loving Community) Orphanage for children who are orphaned, blind or deaf. There is a second section for the elderly who are blind, deaf or have leprosy before he died at 46. Mahatma Gandhi did the ribbon cutting for the orphanage. Parvati, as a young girl was exposed to extreme altruism, philanthropy and good will for those who are less fortunate and suffered injustice.

She spent her childhood in Vizag and attended St. Joseph's Catholic Convent until sixth grade. She went to Queen Mary's High School and then on to Pre-University Course at the AVN College, where she received many academic honors and awards. She spent time learning Indian classical dance and instruments as well as enjoyed putting on performances for friends and family. When asked what her purpose in life was, she answered, 'to serve God through medicine', which she went on to do for many years. With her strong desire to help people get medical care and her excellent grades, she was admitted to the highly competitive Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India in the 1957 batch. She earned her MBBS degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology where she received an academic Gold Medal. She went onto complete her MD degree where she achieved top honors in 1970. She left her home country the same year and completed her OBGYN residency in the United States.

On June 9th, 1969, Parvati joined her life in marriage to Dr. Mohan Rao Mittapalli, a board-certified cardiovascular-thoracic surgeon who shared the same interest in medical science and the opportunities the United States offered. They were happily married for 54 years. They lived together in Tulsa, Oklahoma for over 40 years and most recently at University Village Retirement Community (UVRC). While at UVRC, they enjoyed the company of the staff and other residents participating in activities, watching Telugu movies, sharing laughs and life's woes.

In 1971, she welcomed her first daughter into the world, Radhika in Miami, FL. Shortly after, her second daughter, Jessica was born in Madison, WI. They lived in Kansas for a short time before settling in Oklahoma in 1977. She loved Jessica's husband, Jason, as her own. She also welcomed Radhika's husband, George into the family. She found unspeakable joy in her three grandchildren, Vin, Izzy and Aleah. She was their 'Ammamma' and took care of them multiple days of the week the first years of their lives. She excelled at everything she did, but especially cooking, gardening, sewing, art...many of these skills she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her love and commitment to knowing God superseded all else which has been the greatest example of all.

Parvati had a remarkable work ethic and was a masterful solo practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynecology at her office in Broken Arrow, OK. She lived with her family in Broken Arrow until moving to Tulsa in 1982. She was also a skilled surgeon and won top honors for her skill and expertise. Parvati's professional career spanned over four decades. She wholeheartedly served all manner of women in the Greater Tulsa community regardless of race, religion or status. She especially rejoiced in the miracle of life, delivering thousands of babies into this world brought her the greatest joy. She was active in the Indian community and was seen as a pillar among her friends and colleagues. She was regarded as a spiritual mentor to so many and had a deep understanding and connection with God. Upon retirement from her medical practice in 2003, she focused even more on her time meditating on the Lord, teaching other His ways and spending time connecting with loved ones.

People left Parvati's presence uplifted by her words of love and inspiration. Her smile pierced your soul and made you feel like you were the only person in the world. She saw value and beauty in every person she met as she saw each one as God's workmanship created in His image and likeness. Regardless of whatever hardship she may have experienced in life, she was resilient and persevered to find the beauty and blessing in all things in every season.

Parvati was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings. She is survived by her husband, Mohan Rao Mittapalli; daughter, Radhika Rogalski of Tulsa (husband and daughter, George and Aleah); daughter, Jessica Dyer of Bixby (husband and children, Jason, Vin and Izzy) and countless family across the globe.

Parvati was cremated on December 29th, 2023.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at University Village Retirement Community, Stovall Theater located at 8555 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135.

Service will begin at 1:00p followed by a come and go reception at the same location until 3:30p to visit and share stories of a life well lived.


In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Up With Trees. These funds will be used to help maintain Tulsa's trees and will honor her for years to come.


Donate today by scanning the QR code or by visiting upwithtrees.org .
Please go to the sponsor tab and the click the donate button.

Please include Parvati Mittapalli MD in the comment section of the donation so your gift can be properly tagged toward the tree site we're sponsoring to honor her legacy.