Vanita Hayes

February 5, 1969 – Calgary, Alberta

August 16, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Vanita Hayes on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Born and raised in Calgary, Vanita was a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, cousin and friend.

Vanita was lively, creative, funny, and full of energy. She could bring a room to life, make people laugh, and turn a conversation into something you remembered. She also loved deeply, and when Vanita loved you, she loved you with her whole heart.

Her children, Nayan and Naveena, were at the centre of her life. She loved them beyond measure and was incredibly proud of them. She shared with them her love of music and dance, and they will carry so much of their mother with them, including her humour, creativity, strength, determination, and most importantly, her love.

Vanita's creativity started early. When we were children, she would gather us together to put on shows and plays or make us play school, with Vanita naturally taking the role of teacher. She organized dances and musical performances and loved Indian dance, including Bharatanatyam. Music was always around her. She loved ABBA, Madonna, and Duran Duran, and before a party, she could often be found practicing her dance moves.

That love of performing continued into college, where Vanita was the one who brought everyone together to organize and choreograph dances and performances for the annual Diwali show. She dedicated her time and talent to coming up with the creative performances, organizing rehearsals, and making costumes, all while making sure everyone involved had fun. She created moments full of laughter and memories that we will hold forever.

Vanita also had a gift for storytelling and a love of art. She was curious about the world and enjoyed experiencing different cultures and places. As she grew older, she developed a passion for holistic living and a healthy lifestyle. She loved spending time outdoors and in nature and took great pride in the garden she created in her own backyard.

Vanita's life took her from Calgary, AB, to Toronto, ON, and eventually to Nova Scotia, where she made her home. Along the way, she built friendships and connections with people from many different parts of her life.

Vanita is survived by her husband, Jeff, and her children, Nayan and Naveena; her parents, Asha and Virendra Bhandari; her sister, Naina; her brothers, Deepak (Rakhi) and Atul (Monika); and her nieces and nephews, Shaina and Shaan, Keshav and Saiya, and Jayin and Aryanna. She is also remembered by her father-in-law, Trevor, her brother-in-law Jay, her extended family, and many friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Vinod Bala, and her mother-in-law, Louella.

Vanita's life was far too short. We will miss her laughter, her stories, her creativity, and the energy she brought with her. We will miss the way she could make us laugh and, most of all, the way she loved.

Nayan and Naveena will carry her forward in who they are and in the love their mother gave them. And for all of us who loved Vanita, there will always be a song, a dance, or a story that makes us think of her.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Vanita’s family here.

In living memory of Vanita Hayes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. Additional memorial trees will be planted through Canadian conservation and reforestation initiatives, as a result of memorial contributions. McInnis & Holloway, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

There will be a webcast of the service please follow the link.

https://my.forever.link/register/mcinnis-holloway/vanita-hayes