Bela Dunleavy

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Born in New Delhi, India on May 10, 1961, Bela is survived by her loving husband, Michael Dunleavy. Bela was predeceased by her parents, Sukhdev P. Mathur and Veena Mathur (nee Sharma). Cherished mother of Luke and Anita Dunleavy (and “second mom” to many of their friends) and adored “big sister” to Sanjiv Mathur (Cathy Orlando) and Neil Mathur (Lisa Richard). Beloved auntie to Nikhita, Salina, Sophia, Natasha, and Nadia, and great auntie to Fitz, Avery, Jack and Maggie.

Bela was a deeply caring person, whose compassion was felt in equal measure by those closest to her, as well as the passing acquaintances who would so often find themselves confiding in her trusting and attentive manner. This manner stood her well in her 30-year career as a psychometrist and counsellor in Toronto and then Ottawa, which she ultimately sacrificed to focus on her family. Bela took great joy in cooking and entertaining her friends and family – “food is love” were words she truly lived by. Every meal she served, as well as being thoughtful and excellent, was specifically tailored to her many guests’ preferences and restrictions – for which she seemed to have a photographic memory. In additional to cooking, Bela loved live music (she attended hundreds of concerts and festivals), travel (she travelled to at least 30 countries), and reading voraciously.

Michael and the rest of the family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Cancer Centre for their years of good care and compassion, and offer special thanks to her brother Sanjiv and sister-in law Donna for their extraordinary love and care in her final days.

Relatives and friends will be received at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on January 13, 2024. Her memorial service will follow in the chapel at 5:00 p.m. A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. (catering organized by Bela…) at Bela’s home (directions to be provided at service).

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation would be welcomed.