Mohinder Kaur Banwait (nee Budwal)

Beloved wife to the late Jagmohan Singh Banwait. Loving mother of Parmjit (Mandip), Rajinder (Armando), Jatinder (Shilpa), Rupinder (Ruby). Cherished grandmother of Celine, Ravina, Jessica, Monica, Pavan, Ishaan, Kalan, Ronav, Aahna, Jaanya. Dear sister to Chanan (Babu), Harbans (Joginder), Karnan (Ajit), Tara (Joginder), Charan, Sital (Harbhajan), Chatar (Sital). Mohinder will be deeply missed by all friends and extended family.

Mohinder was born in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia where she was affectionately called “Bibo”. At age 15, she travelled to India to attend her eldest brother’s wedding. Little did she know, her own wedding was destined to take place a few short years later. In 1965, Mohinder married Jagmohan, the eldest son in his family, and they lived on the family farm, where she immediately took on the responsibilities of the dutiful daughter-in-law. She was new to the family and new to the country. At just 18, she jumped right in to help with all household chores, work on the farm, and take care of Jagmohan’s siblings as if they were her own. She became a mother of two and was expecting her third when her father-in-law suddenly passed away. At that point, responsibility for the extended family fell upon the young couple. In 1972, shortly after his father’s death, Jagmohan had the opportunity to go to Canada in pursuit of a better life for his children and siblings. Mohinder stayed with the family in Jhikka, Punjab. She worked hard to look after her extended family, while Jagmohan worked to establish himself in Guelph, Ontario. In 1974, Mohinder came to Canada with her 3 kids and began the 2nd phase of their life with the family reunited again.

After a few months of adjusting to life in the new country, and a much different and colder climate from Punjab, Mohinder started her job at Biltmore Hats, as a seamstress, sewing various types of hats. By 1977, after renting for a few years, they had saved money to purchase their first home at 61 McIlwraith Crescent. It was here that they welcomed the extended family: her mother-in-law and Jagmohan’s 2 brothers and 2 sisters. They helped to settle them successfully, whether that was completing school, finding a job, or getting married. It was also here that they welcomed their fourth child in 1979, making their family complete. In 1986, Mohinder and Jagmohan moved their family to Burlington, to accommodate the post-secondary education of their older children, commuting to work until they found jobs closer to home.

Through the years, Mohinder continued to work hard, providing for her family, and caring for all whom she met, making sure they enjoyed a good meal when they visited. When Mohinder became a grandmother, she gained a fresh energy to love and help raise her grandchildren. Grandma’s garam paranthe were unmatched. You could never stop at just one! Mohinder also loved gardening, going for nature walks, and having chai with her friends.

In 2016, her husband was hospitalized with Parkinson’s and life changed dramatically for Mohinder. Shortly afterwards, she returned to her roots in Guelph to complete her twilight years, with her daughter and son-in-law.

She had a wonderful life with her husband. Her calm strength complimented Jagmohan’s determination to provide for those he loved. It was a match made in heaven; they were made for each other. When her husband got sick and left this earth, a piece of Mohinder’s heart went with him. She was always missing him and wanting to be with him. Jagmohan and Mohinder are together now. Together forever. May God hold them both in the palm of His Hands.

We are extremely grateful to Dr. Paul Mendonça, Dr. Norman Chan, and the staff at Guelph General Hospital for their care, compassion, and support. A special thank you to the EMS team, and the officers that aided us quickly and professionally in our time of need. Thank you for all that you did for Mohinder.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. A Visitation will take place on Thursday December 26th, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday December 27th, 2024, from 9:30AM-11:00 AM. A livestream link will be available on Mohinder’s memorial page. Cremation Witnessing to follow at Parkview Crematorium (335 University Ave, Waterloo) at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow at Guelph Sikh Society Gurdwara (410 Clair Clair Rd East, Guelph).

As expressions of sympathy, donations made to the Food Bank (www.sevafoodbank.ca) or to Michael House (www.michaelhouse.ca) would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson-dublin.com