There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.
~Mahatma Gandhi
It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bess (Girlie) Maharaj, our deeply loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. On June 18, 2024, her soul departed her body peacefully at home, surrounded by her family after a lengthy health battle that she faced with incredible bravery, grace and dignity.
She will be deeply missed by daughters Nardia (Winston) Maharaj and Sherry Maharaj, her four precious grandchildren Shaylyn, Jared, Brayden and Bryanna, brother Harold (Jennifer) Sankar, sister Ena (Mike) Maharaj, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended family and good friends throughout Canada, United States, Europe and Trinidad.
Bess was born April 14, 1941 in San Fernando, Trinidad, the middle child of nine children. She moved to Winnipeg in 1965 with the dream of giving her children new opportunities and a bright future. She worked in the business office at the Victoria Hospital to support her family and husband’s studies, striving to make a better life, not just for her children, but for many others in her extended family.
Each of her grandchildren were her blessings. In turn, they were blessed to be raised with her grandmotherly love that emphasized the values of kindness, compassion, and gratitude. They have maintained a very close connection to her throughout their lives up to her final moments. Not only were her family and friends the beneficiaries of her unconditional love throughout her life, she consistently exhibited selfless caring and generosity to each and everyone who was fortunate to come into her life. As the family matriarch, she was a remarkable role-model, epitomizing empathy and forgiveness, who inspires us all to uphold her values as we go forward in our lives.
As Bess continues her journey to become one with the universal energy, those waiting to welcome her include her parents Siew and Bachie Sankar, brothers Cyril, Rawle, Gerald and Rama, sisters Sylvie and Jocelyn, nieces Savi and Indrani, nephews Devanand and Andre, and closest friend Lorraine Clowes. She has missed them all greatly and will be overjoyed to be reunited with them.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful private caregivers, homecare nurses and healthcare staff, especially Sandy Dack, Toyin (Olutoyin), Eunice, Simone and Chin (Chiou-fon) whose kindness and assistance with our mother cannot be measured. We would also like to thank Dr. Luk for the extraordinary care he provided to her over the years as well as the Palliative Care Home Program for their compassionate care during her final hours. We wish to express our immense appreciation to the family and friends who have been so supportive during this time and shown our mother so much love. We also thank Pundit Balram and Lalita Monguru.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivary Blvd. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Those who wish may view the livestreamed service by following this link: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/94905
Hindu prayers will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, June 30 at the Durga Devi Mandir located at 499 Jamison Avenue.
Bess will be sadly missed and eternally loved. In her memory, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following her spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization.
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