Two married University employees died over break in a tragic situation that began with a terminal disease and ended in suicide and death.
Sajani Shrestha reportedly took her own life shortly before Christmas and her husband, Subin, died of cancer the day after his wife committed suicide.
When Wharton Computing employee and Penn graduate Subin Shrestha was diagnosed with cancer last year, both he and his wife, Sajani were devastated.
A week before Christmas it became clear to Subin Shrestha's doctors that he did not have much longer to live.
The couple was surrounded by family and friends, including Mr. Shrestha's mother, who was visiting from Nepal, when they were informed of Subin Shrestha's deteriorating health. Both Subin and Sajani Shrestha were originally from Nepal.
A stricken Sajani Shrestha left the hospital around midday on Friday Dec. 21, saying she would return by dinner time.
Instead, the 29-year-old employee of the Office of International Programs reportedly went to their house and took her own life. The method of suicide was not immediately disclosed by police.
She was later discovered by relatives who were worried when the woman failed to return to the hospital.
Subin Shrestha died in the hospital of cancer complications the next day, Dec. 22.
There was a funeral for both husband and wife on Saturday, Dec. 29.
Sajani Shrestha was the international student specialist in the Office of International Programs. Her job was to handle all the paperwork for incoming international students.
Friends and colleagues thought very highly of both Subin and Sajani Shrestha.
Subin and Sajani were "both quite wonderful and very dear people," said Joyce Randolph, executive director of the Office of International Programs.
Subin Shrestha had also graduated from Penn with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 1995 and a master's degree in engineering in 1997.
He worked in computing for the Penn Health System for two years, before moving into a position as programming analyst for Wharton computing.
A memorial service for the Shresthas will be held Thursday, January 17 at 4 p.m. in 350 Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall.
