Chitralekha Shrivastava

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Chitralekha Srivastava. Chitra, as she was known to her friends, was an avid lifelong learner, teacher, and woman of many talents. With a bachelor’s in botany, chemistry, and zoology and a master’s in zoology from Jiwaji University, Gwalior, she started her career as a young, dynamic, science lecturer in India. Balancing her two loves, education and family, she later obtained a Bachelor of Education from McGill University. A substitute and science teacher in Montreal for many cohorts of elementary and secondary students, and the first folk dance and Hindi teacher for many children of the earlier diaspora, she taught as she lived - through games and with humour.

From her father, she inherited her artistic talents for painting, and from her mother, a progressive outlook. In 1971, she started her most cherished and steadfast partnership, with her late husband, Dr. Prakash Narain Srivastava. Quietly adventurous, they travelled to many countries and often indulged in diverse cuisines, later including their two daughters, Prachi and Sonali, and then, their son-in-law, Paresh, in their fun. Together, they created a golden-hued home, ever open to friends and family, filled with sumptuous food, and ringing with music and laughter. Her friends often remember her signature dishes.

Chitra created community and nurtured relationships effortlessly. She led and was actively involved in a number of cultural associations for the nascent Indian community in Montreal, and in Quebec women’s associations. Chitra was trained in classical dance and music, and often entertained her friends and family with song. Despite the distance, throughout her 52 years in Montreal, she maintained close relationships with her sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews in India. They remember her for her uncanny ability to bridge generational gaps and to laugh with all, from elders to children, with her gift for storytelling. She doted on her two grand-daughters, who miss her laughter, her singing, and her unique way of explaining things.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Jewish General Hospital for their compassion and care. They also express their heartfelt gratitude for the support and love of family and friends.

The last rites will be performed on Wednesday, 23 April 2025 between 10 am and noon at le Centre funéraire Côte-des-Neiges, 4525 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal. The thirteenth day rites will be held on Saturday, 26 April 2025 from 10:30 am at the Hindu Mandir, 50 Kesmark St, Dollard-Des Ormeaux with bhojan to follow.