Obituary of Arvinda Kuriya

Jai Jinendra,

It is with utmost sadness we announce the sudden passing of beloved Arvindaben, loving wife to Balubhai, cherished mother to Andy (Sharon), Sheila (Sameer), Bindee (Jay), and doting Ba to Meghana, Devin, Maya, Tejas, Zain, and Romi. She passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at the Ottawa Heart Institute after suffering complications from emergency cardiac surgery.  She was surrounded by her extended family, which was her last wish.

She was born in Un, India in 1944 and traveled to Canada in quest of a better life and the immigrant dream. Arvindaben enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.  She was an avid gardener and had the special touch that would make even the most wilted plant or flower flourish!  She loved to play cards and enjoyed a good cup of piping hot chai. She had boundless energy and frequently cooked meals for 50+ people, hosting parties and pujas.  She loved to exercise, and it was her nightly tradition to walk several kilometres after dinner each evening.  She was the successful owner of a fabric upholstery store, and it was a marvel watching such a tiny woman lift rolls of fabric twice her size! Her impact was felt so strongly in all the seva she would offer others: whether volunteering many years at the Carleton Place hospital, or opening her door and kitchen to countless students and newcomers to Canada. The only thing that surpassed her passion for gardening, making her famous badam (almond) sweet, delicious homemade pizza and playing cards, was the time she spent surrounding herself with her extended “motu” family. Family was the core of her universe, and she was the glue that kept everyone connected.

She will be sorely missed and the loss we feel is immeasurable.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. On behalf of our family, we thank you for your thoughts, prayers and messages.

A public funeral service will take place at Pinecrest Remembrance Services (2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario) on Sunday May 12, 2024 from 9:00-10:30am. This will be followed by a private service and cremation for family members only. 

Sincerely,
Kuriya Family

Donations in her memory can be made to:

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (https://www.carletonplacehospital.ca/beadonor)

The Ottawa Heart Institute (https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca/give/)