Khorshed Canteenwala

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Dr. Sony Canteenwala (Eva), Rustam Canteenwala (Laura) and Cherry Mulvey (nee Canteenwala) (Shaun); and her grandchildren Sierra, Emily, Kira, Emma, Sohrab, Zahra and Nahja. Khorshed is also survived by her dear brothers Jamshed, Bajan and Farokh; her loving sisters Homai, Tehmi, Avau and Kumi; and many nieces and nephews. She leaves her close friends Jack and Julia Poortenaar, Clem Rooney and many many others she has cherished on her journey.

Khorshed was predeceased by her loving devoted husband Homi Canteenwala of 47 years of marriage who passed only 19 months earlier; by her sisters Freny, Ghavare and Katy; by her dear friends Mr. Jeff and Freddy Jeffery (nee Halpenny); by her father and mother in law Major Erach and Khorshed Canteenwala; and by her parents Dhunjishaw and Naja Mavalwala who set the standard by which to live for our remarkable mother.

Born November 21 1942 in Delhi, India, she was brought up in a loving family of 11 by incredibly devoted parents. She received her B.A. and B.Ed. in India where she met her cherished Homi. They were married and set off for Canada in 1969. Through constant sacrifice and devotion to one another Khorshed and Homi made Canada home and raised their family. Khorshed became director of Universal Daycare Centre in Ralph Maybank School and held her position for 35 years until retiring in 2015. A beautiful bench has been dedicated to Khorshed on the playground of Ralph Maybank School. She was truly touched by this gesture of love.

Her kindness, her warmth, her humility and gentleness could be felt to all who encountered her. Her devotion to children was unmistakable and unparalleled. Being present with our mother was simply to be present with love.

If you were so lucky to encounter her for even a moment you would have felt her warmth. If you were a cherished friend you were humbled by her kindness. To be her children was simply a blessing.

We take great comfort in knowing our Mother and Father are together again, so close to one another they could not be kept apart for long....

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Khorshed’s wishes, prayers and ceremonies according to her faith will be carried out in India with family.

All those wishing to share their sympathies, stories and wishes are welcomed and encouraged to reach out to Khorshed’s children.