On Sept 16, 2023 Our beloved Matriarch of the Obhrai Family, Asha Rani Obhrai nee Sabbherwal (92yrs) departed our world to sing with the Angels and embark on her next journey.
Born in Simla, India on Aug 6, 1931, Asha lived an incredible life that took her from a small village in India, to the wilds of Africa to the diverse country of Canada (both in its people and weather). After she married at a young age, she left her familial home in India to make a new one for her and her family in Tanzania. There she had her 3 children, Neel, Deepak and Reeta, and by all accounts very much enjoyed being a doting mother and wife. Sadly soon after, she became a widow and a single mother of three children under the age of 7.
Her incredible spirit, intelligence and strength did not stop her from living life to the fullest and providing a safe life for her children. She was fortunate to be educated in the British System in India and was able to rely on her education to became an English teacher, and then eventually found her self working in a bank, where she made so many friends, and garnered the reputation of being “Mama” to everyone.
A decade later, she found her way to Canada helping her daughter and son raise their children so that as new immigrants to yet another country they could become successful. She was always gracious in sharing her wisdom, experiences, encouragement, laughter, support and her delicious food with all of us; and through her we learned to embrace our experiences and not to let what life throws at us to stop us from living!
She lived a life full of laughter, independence, hard work, courage, encouragement and love. These aspects that she shared so generously with us is why she is the foundation of our family.
As she embarks on her next journey, she is joined by her beloved husband Om Prakash Obhrai, her two sons, Neel and the Honourable Deepak Obhrai, M.P. as well as her mother, father, brothers and sisters, and of course her best friend Savitri.
Here she is remembered by her loving daughter, Reeta, and son-in-law Sunil, as well as her daughter-in-laws, Neena and Susan.
She is also cherished by her beloved grandchildren; Priti, Robin, Kaajal, Arif, Aman, Amit, Kavita, Charlotte, Jessica and all their extended families.
And her legacy continues through her great grandchildren; Davin, Evasha, Samaya, Aaryan, Jayin, Dilan, Sophie and Owen.
As we share in our loss of our beautiful Mama, we share in the joy that her light shared with us all, and we know that all of our lives would have been different if she didn’t have the strength, courage to be herself.
She will always be our Inspiration.
We love you so much Mama, till we sing with you again.
Om Shanti Om.