Suraj Mathew Mahadeva

August 22, 1995 - December 11, 2021

Suraj Mathew Mahadeva, age 26, of Chicago, Illinois; passed away suddenly on December 11, 2021. Loving son of Shivantha and Evangeline Mahadeva. The visiting hours will take place on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 2 PM until 8 PM, and Monday, December 20, 2021, from 12 PM until 8 PM at the Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road W., Plymouth, MI 48170. The Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 11:30 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton, MI 48187 The family will gather at church to greet friends beginning at 11 AM until the Funeral Mass. Following Mass, A private Puja Service will take at Southern Michigan Services Crematory. To share a tribute of Suraj with the family, please click on the 'Share a Memory' tab on this web page. Family Obituary: Suraj Mahadeva was born on August 22, 1995 in Canton, Michigan. On Saturday, December 11, 2021 Suraj became a victim of gun violence in Chicago and passed away at 26 years of age. This senseless act of violence has hurt so many who loved him. Suraj is survived by his father, mother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Suraj really cared about helping others and it showed in his work and passions. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Neuroscience with a minor in Dance. At MSU, he was a team captain and choreographer of collegiate Indian raas/gaarba dance team. Suraj was a dedicated medical clinician at a dermatology office in which he was aspiring to become a physician’s assistant. He worked with youth in many positions including as a youth care worker, swim instructor, and community outreach associate. Suraj was a loving son and brother who made many meaningful friendships. He was passionate about his cultural heritage of Sri Lankan and Filipino roots and was an active member in both the Asian and LGBTQ community. Suraj loved to dance and could make any place a dance floor. He cherished his family and friends and showed his love by cooking to nourish their mind and body. Suraj had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. He always strived to be better and showed kindness to others. Suraj’s name means “Rising Sun”. Anyone that has known Suraj, knows that he shined brightly and gave a sense of warmth and joy like the Sun to everyone around him. He will forever live in our hearts and in our memories.