It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beautiful, beloved Balwant Kaur Chouhan.

At the age of 83, after a long battle with numerous medical conditions, she passed away peacefully on January 4^th, 2023. She endured these struggles with steadfast courage, indomitable strength, remarkable stoicism and grace.

The daughter of late Dildar Singh Sarpal and late Bimla Kaur Sarpal, Balwant was born in Lahore, India. After the upheaval of the India/Pakistan partition she moved to Shimla with her parents and siblings.

She married Bhajan Singh Chouhan on September 25^th, 1960, and lived with his family in Jhingran, India for five years.  In 1961, Bhajan emigrated to England in search of a better future for his family.  Balwant remained in India with his family for four more years, before joining Bhajan in January 1965.

They endured difficult years in England as first-generation immigrants, but together they built a great life!  Balwant raised four children while overseeing a busy household as a homemaker. In addition, she supplemented the household income as a seamstress. A rarity for South Asian women, she even attended a local college to improve her English skills!

To be closer to family in Canada, Bhajan immigrated to Calgary in 1982 with their three oldest children. Due to a recession, it took two years before Balwant and their youngest son were able to join them. Undaunted, in 1984, she arranged the sale of their house and possessions in the UK, after which she travelled with the youngest son to unify the family in Canada.

Early years getting established in Calgary were again challenging. Balwant again took on a job for a few years to augment the family income.  For the remainder of her years, she was a cornerstone of our family. She will be remembered as a strong, loving and wise matriarch to us all.

Balwant had many admirable qualities that we will remember, and her legacy will be cherished by her family and those who knew her.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Bhajan Singh Chouhan, children Baljinder (late June), Rajindra (Paul), Parmjeet (Jyoti), and Davinder (Denise).  She was adored by her grandchildren: Trisha, Yasmin, Kiran, Monika, Ryan and Ria.  She is survived by her loving five brothers and two sisters and is fondly remembered by many nephews and nieces in Canada, the USA and India.

The family is greatly appreciative of the kind and compassionate care provided by the Offices of Dr. Hayer, Dr. Fell and Dr. Fifi Mah. We are also extremely grateful to family members and friends who have expressed condolences and helped out during this difficult time.