Chitra Bhagwandas Kaku

Dear Friends,

With deep regrets, we announce the demise of our beloved mother, Chitra Kaku in the early morning hours on 22^nd January 2021. In our overwhelming sadness, we are reminded of the wonderful, calm and determined person she was, who took on all challenges of life with a smile.

Chitra’s journey started from the city of Karachi where she was born on the 10^th March 1938. After the partition of India, her family migrated from Karachi, then part of undivided India, to Mumbai.  She completed her school years in a quaint suburb of Mumbai and was always keen to pursue a university education, which was progressive in conservative India. Determined, she secured her Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Mumbai University in English Literature with a flair and finesse for the language. This aspiration for further education always stood good in her head and the same was inculcated in her children.

Chitra joined the Indian Navy at the age of 25 in the civil department and served uninterruptedly for 35 years until she retired at the age of 60. She married Bhagwandas Kaku who worked for the Merchant Navy and parented three kids – Saroj, Vanita and Hari. Just when things were going smooth, a massive tragedy struck the family. Her spouse was reported missing after his ship sunk thirty kilometres from Salalah, Oman in the sea of Arabian Gulf. This was a major turning point in her life. Putting on a brave face, she endured the calamity in her personal life unfalteringly and shielded her children from the vagaries of life. Chitra strove to complete the education of all three children and was instrumental in instilling core human values in them. Above everything else, she taught them the importance of being independent and thus, played the role of a caring mother and a disciplined father with aplomb.

With the passage of time, Chitra’s talents, determination and her fervour for life only got better and better. This fascinating approach to life earned her countless friends at every step of the way. Besides her infectious smile and gentle nature, she also strongly believed in giving back to the community. Chitra had a unique ability to converse in several other languages though her fondness for the English language remained till the end.

She used her spare time productively in learning and developing the art of crochet patterns, tailoring, embroidery and stitching clothes. She also loved her lengthy shopping excursions where she would walk around tirelessly to find good buys. No matter what, she never gave up wearing the traditional India Saree, maintaining her long hair and always focused on natural beauty – no cosmetics her entire life. Elegance in simplicity would be apt for her. She was also an amazing cook and enjoyed vegetarian food. No yoga, no gym; just authentic good food with a dash of positivity and a garnish of optimism. Her jest for healthy living amply stood by her throughout her life.

As time went by, Chitra finally settled in Canada nurturing her grandchildren selflessly. Her journey from India to Canada was quick-settling and tranquil as she effortlessly navigated through a new culture while making lots of new friends on her own. Chitra was always active and on her toes till the last days of her life. She lived for her family, serving and caring for them throughout. Chitra never complained about people or circumstances, always taking life in her stride with family as top priority. Most importantly, she was an epitome of family values. Wearing the wrist-watch her father had gifted her on graduation day till the very end of her life was proof enough to explain her commitment to family ties.

Chitra’s life can be summed up as a life “complete and serenely fulfilled”. She will always be remembered as a caring daughter, a loving wife, a determined mother and a charismatic grandmother. Above all, Chitra was a great human being inspiring everyone she met.

She will always be loved and missed by her family and every life that she touched.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Victoria General Hospital for their care.

A private family service, by invitation only, was hosted in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 10:00 am.  Due to BC health restrictions all others were invited to attend virtually via Zoom.  Click on the image below to watch the service.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens

www.mccallgardens.com

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