Dr. Manorama Rao

Dr. Manorama Rao, age 80, of Holland, Ohio, passed away on August 23, 2025, surrounded by her family, following a protracted battle with illness.

Dr. Rao was a truly talented and multifaceted individual. She was a patron of the arts, a talented athlete and had an inquisitive mind for the sciences. Her career as an educator spanned five decades. Following completion of a M.Sc. in Chemistry from Bangalore University, India, she earned her M.S. in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from The University of Toledo. Her career began with teaching science to undergraduate students at National College and MES College in Bangalore, India, followed by Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio, and finally as a Nutrition counselor, Health educator and Professor at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio. Her talents as an educator were reflected in the many students who reconnected with her, and recounted how she inspired them, even many decades later. Following her retirement, she renewed her interest in Indian classical music, was recognized as a talented vocalist and recorded several dozen songs. She was a well-respected member of the Indian Community in Toledo, active in the Hindu temple for the past 30 years. She was also well-known for her wonderful cooking skills, which were greatly appreciated by her friends and family, and especially by her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Subba Rao, her son, Dr. Dinesh Rao, of Los Angeles, CA, and her daughter, Suma Rao-Gupta, of Downers Grove, IL, and their families. She is preceded in her death by her father, Shankar Rama Murthy and her mother, Lakshmi Devi. Her extended family includes her elder sister, Dr. Lalitha Sastry of Rochester Hills, MI, and her brothers, Ramprasad Murthy of Bangalore, India, and Dr. Kishore Murthy of Ottawa, Canada. The family grieves the loss of this singular and exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, who deeply loved her family and was deeply loved in return.

Memorial services are scheduled to be held at Newcomer West Sylvania Chapel 3655 King Road, Toledo Ohio, on Tuesday, August 26, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Tribute Donation in her honor to one of the following organizations: The Hindu Temple of Toledo, 4336 King Road, Sylvania, OH 43560, Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe Street Toledo, OH 43620 or UNICEF (UNICEFUSA.org)