Riya Bhakkad

Riya Bhakkad, loved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November, 18th 2021 at the age of 17. She is survived by her parents Vinay and Kalpana, her sister Sonia along with her village of family and friends. Born in Canton, Michigan she was the daughter of Vinay and Kalpana Bhakkad. She attended Plymouth High School where she was an incredibly involved member of the student community. She served as president of the International Baccalaureate Student Council, Vice President of Health Occupations Students of America, Captain of Varsity golf, the Chair of Charity Committee for Plymouth Student Congress and singer in the Michigan Youth Chamber. Along with this, Riya was a pillar of the South Asian Community and extremely proud of her Indian heritage. She served as secretary of Yuva Bharathi, was a member of Plymouth IASA, and studied Hindustani Music under Madhumita Sanyal. Riya lit up every room she entered with her dimpled smile and bubbly personality. Remembered dearly as the Lakshmi and songbird of the house, her family will miss her firecracker attitude, constant facetime calls, and the tightest and longest hugs that she would give. She was every uncle’s favorite daughter and every little kid’s favorite “didi”. Her friends remember her for her daily selfies and masked hugs kisses between every class. During class, she was known to always speak up passionately and work hard until the result was her very best. She found joy in the smallest details, and anyone who knew her knew they could come to her to hear her long-winded theories about Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. Riya was an incredibly selfless person whose passion for giving didn’t stop at her friends. In the last year alone she organized a vaccine drive and held a charity golf tournament to encourage STEM education in underprivileged communities. Her charisma was unparalleled and she never shied away from showing her emotions. Riya Bhakkad was a fearless leader who although soft-spoken had a voice that carried meaning for all who had the privilege of hearing. Visitation Monday, November 22nd 1-3 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Riya Bhakkad

August 24, 2004 - November 18, 2021