It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the sudden death of our mother, Sela, on February 15, 2020. Sela was predeceased by her parents, Kishan and Lakshmi; her brothers Om Prakash and Chanan; her nephew Harry; and her loving husband, Tara. She is survived by her children Munjeet (John), Jeety (Sara) and Jindy (Angela); her grandchildren (the joys of her life), Christina, Nikki, Sara, Jeffrey and Tara; her two brothers, Manohar (Swarnjit) and Joginder (Jasbir); and her sister-in-law, Jit Kaur as well as numerous cousins, relatives, and many dear friends.

Sela was born on May 14, 1933 in Punjab, India and married Tara in 1950. In 1951, she moved to Victoria where she spent the rest of her life. She was well known for her generous hospitality and excellent culinary skills. Throughout her early life in Victoria, Sela cared for her growing family and hosted several relatives as they immigrated to Canada.  In addition, she worked outside of the home while also helping establish the successful family business.

Later, she and Tara travelled extensively beginning with a three-month world tour in 1967, followed by many trips with their wide circle of friends and family to Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  There were also several trips back to India, cruises around South America and the Caribbean, in addition to annual trips to Hawaii or Mexico. We are very grateful to have spent this past Christmas and New Year with her in Hawaii where we all had time to enjoy her loving company.

Sela was a compassionate, generous and serene individual who accepted others without judgement. She has left a large void in the lives of her family and friends and we will cherish her in our hearts forever.

We would like to thank our many relatives and family friends for their kind support during this very difficult time.

A Prayer Service will be held at the Khalsa Diwan Society Sikh Temple, 1210 Topaz Avenue on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association or to any other charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

 

  • Kuku Bhala

    chachi sela was very nice human being everytime she visit us at chak kataru was very happy to see us all, my condolences to the family

  • Jamna Sharma

    I have such good memories of Sela and Tara visiting our dad with your grandmother as we are all descended from the same village in India. They were a huge part of my childhood and I hate that we lost touch when I moved away from Victoria but I will always remember their kindness and they were always there if we needed them.
    Please accept condolences from my family…with respect and love!

  • Tina Gerrath

    My condolences to all the Bhalla family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
    I have so many fond memories of your time on Davida Ave.

  • BUCHAN Mahon

    Sincere condolences to the family.
    I remember Sela as a warm, loving, generous Lady.
    Will be truly missed.

  • Mark and Sandi Stuart

    Dear Jeety, Sara and family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your sweet mother. Your parents were wonderful and kind as we made so much noise in their basement in our teens. Your mother was such a calm and gentle soul. Truly the world is lessened by her passing.

  • Bill and Milka McGinn

    Jeety and Sara, we are so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Her beautiful life will remain in your hearts forever. We wish you and your family peace and love during this time. Our hearts are with you guys and we love you.

    Bill and Milka

  • Juanita Arthur, Bob Whyte and Wesley Whyte

    We were so sorry to hear about Sela. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time. May you be comforted by your many memories of time spent with her, and her love and devotion to her family and friends. She will be missed but not forgotten.

    Juanita Arthur, Bob Whyte, and Wesley Whyte

  • Manjit Sandhu

    Our deepest condolences to all Sela’s family for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. We will miss Sela she was a great human being with a kind heart! May she RIP. May God grant you the strength to deal with your loss.

    Malkiat, Manjit Sandhu and Family.

  • Shindy Bains Skaar

    Bruce and I are incredibly saddened at Sela’s sudden passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies at this very difficult time. You are a close-knit, strong family, thanks to both your parents, so together and with your dear friends, you will get through this.

    I am going to miss my conversations with Sela and the pride in which she shared updates on her beloved grandchildren and joy of planning for the next family vacation. Moreover, I will miss her laughter and how she ended every telephone call with me by saying,”Okay, then Shindy, love you.”

    With love, Bruce and Shindy (Bains) Skaar

  • Valerie

    So very sorry to hear about Sela. She was such a lovely, funny soul, so generous and kind. She will leave such a big hole in everyone’s lives, especially her adored grandchildren. My heart aches for you all.

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