Anjali Spencer Zedek

Anjali, born on October 3, 1978, in Haryana, India, was a beacon of faith, love, and unwavering resilience. On February 15, 2025, at 6:15 a.m., she peacefully transitioned from this world at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, entering into the eternal embrace of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved with all her heart. Her departure leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and cherished her.

Born to Lawrence and Mabline Peter, Anjali's early life took an unexpected turn when she was lovingly adopted by her aunt Beatrice and her husband, Hansraj Saini. The Lord used them to become her guiding lights, nurturing her both in life and in her deep, abiding faith. Growing up alongside her biological siblings, Archana and Anuj, whom she travelled to meet every opportunity she received; she cherished the bonds of family that spanned continents, with Archana now residing in Texas and Anuj in Canada. Her nephews, Shayne and Levi, held a special place in her heart, bringing her a lot of joy.

From a young age, Anjali possessed a profound curiosity and a deep spiritual yearning. Under the pastoral guidance of her adoptive father, Hansraj, along with servants of God B.R.Lance and Captain A.M.Samuel, she drew closer to Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she was baptized at the age of sixteen, a moment that marked a turning point in her life. Her commitment to her faith was immediately evident as she took on pivotal roles in her youth fellowships and during her college years, inspiring many with her unwavering devotion and radiant spirit.

Anjali's initial education in Jagadhri Workshop, Haryana, allowed her to learn the Punjabi language in addition to her native Hindi, reflecting her appreciation and immersion with diverse cultures and people. She furthered her education at the prestigious Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, earning a Diploma in Nursing. Her nursing career was marked by extraordinary dedication and excellence, with experiences spanning from Chandigarh in India to Kuwait to Columbus in the United States of America. She worked in almost all nursing disciples and specialized in Emergency Rooms, Operating Rooms, Intensive Care Units, Medical Surgical Units and and even Step Down units, all of which culminated in her work in Clinical Epidemiology at the OSU Medical Center in Columbus. She touched countless lives with her compassionate care and unwavering professionalism.

In 2002, Anjali married Ashish Zedek, and together they embarked on a journey that took them from Kuwait to the United States. Their path was not always easy but anchored themselves in the Lord Jesus and He always came through for them. The heartache and pain of a miscarriage in 2003 and subsequent challenges with fertility tested their strength, but Anjali's faith remained a constant source of comfort and hope. In 2009, they were blessed with a miracle: their son, Shawn, born against medical odds. This was a testament to the timing and allowance of God in the power of  prayer and her unwavering belief. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of their daughter, Aria, in 2016. Second to only her Lord, Anjali's children were her greatest treasures, and she devoted herself to nurturing them, bringing them up in the fear of the Lord, and balancing motherhood with her pursuit of a Bachelor's in Nursing, demonstrating her incredible strength, commitment and determination.

In 2023, Anjali faced a formidable adversary: ovarian cancer. After initial treatments and surgeries, which she took on bravely, her doctors gave her a clean bill of health, only to have the cancer return with greater aggression. Demonstrating remarkable courage and unwavering faith, Anjali chose faith in her Lord over further treatments, finding profound peace in her decision. She embraced her circumstances as an opportunity to deepen her service to God, demonstrating resilience and grace throughout her journey. Rather than viewing the inevitable outcome of her battle as a defeat, Anjali saw it as an opportunity to strengthen and perfect her relationship with Christ. Supported by her loving faith community in Columbus, Gurdaspur, Punjab and Jagadhri, she continued her earthly mission, serving both her family and the Lord with unwavering dedication till the end. In His infinite wisdom and mercy, Jesus called her home spectacularly, granting her rest from her earthly struggles and welcoming her into eternal peace saying most assuredly "‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". She is now enjoying the rewards she laid up in Heaven with the blessed words of her Lord saying "Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord".

Anjali's passions extended beyond her personal, professional and spiritual commitments. She found solace and joy in gardening, nurturing both indoor and outdoor plants, reflecting her deep love for God's creation. She loved cooking and hosting for her ever increasing "family" relationships, traveling and meeting people, offering and delivering help despite her limitations; all reflecting her love and care for all created in His image with the intense desire that she echo His will that He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". Her home was often filled with the melodies of timeless hymns in English and Hindi, as she hummed and sang, bringing joy and comfort to those around her. Her life's zenith was a beautiful testament to the scripture: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Anjali's legacy of love, faith, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to her Lord and her family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

As we bid farewell to Anjali, for the moment, we are heartbroken by her absence, missing her intently. But, we find comfort in knowing that she rests in the loving arms of Jesus, her perfecting journey on earth complete, and her eternal glorious life begun. We are gladdened as we know she has been transformed and shares in the glory of Jesus Christ, having received her Crown of Life and gained eternal honor in the Bride. 

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2

"For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth” Isaiah 54:5

"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready" Revelation 19:7

Anjali continues to encourage and challenge us. Romans 8:28-30 (AMP) was one of her favorites: "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity]".

May God be glorified through Anjali's life and may everyone of you who reads her obituary be blessed beyond measure and find favor with God.