Surjit Kaur Bains

Surjit Kaur Bains was born in Bohan, Punjab, to Piara Singh and Rakkhi Kaur Badial. The eldest of seven siblings, Surjit spent her early life growing up in her ancestral village of Bihala. In 1944, she married her beloved husband, Gurdev Singh; her toughness and his gentle nature would prove to be the perfect pairing for their strong and admirable partnership lasting over 78 years of marriage.

Never one to shy away from hard-work, Surjit always persevered no matter the challenge in front of her. While her husband was settling in Canada - laying the groundwork for his family to join him - Surjit remained in Punjab raising their young sons. After several years apart, Surjit immigrated to Canada in 1967 to join her husband in Victoria B.C., and began working in the service industry. After several years of working, she took great joy in helping raise her grandchildren.

Bibiji, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, was known for her sharp wit, strength and resilience. Even at the ripe age of 95, she was no shrinking violet when it came to expressing her opinions. She excelled at all things creative and hands-on; she was an all-star knitter, could grow anything with her green thumb, and was a master in the kitchen. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - we’ll miss the tight hugs and big smile that she always greeted us with.

Surjit was predeceased by her son Hardial (Balbir) and her husband, Gurdev Singh. She is survived by her sons Raghbir (Arvinder) and Gurnam (Ravinder); and, grandchildren, Bob (Ellen), Mohan (Pali), Gurm, Naveen (Sara), Jag (Min), Amrita (Nick) and Priya. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren.

Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Victoria Hospice for your compassionate care. The family also thanks the many staff and residents at Glengarry Care Home for your friendship and care over the past year. We sincerely acknowledge the many comforting messages, prayers and other expressions of kindness that have been received.

A funeral service for Surjit will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, British Columbia V8Y1B4, followed by prayers at the Gurdwara (1210 Topaz Avenue).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Bains family.