With heavy hearts, we announce that Kala Wati Shankar passed away this past Friday, at 80years of age. Kala was born in Dawasamu, Fiji Islands to Shambhu Nath and Phool Kaur, and was raised by Ram Kaur. 

Kala is survived by her husband, Shiu Shankar, who lovingly cared for her during her difficult years of dementia. She will be forever treasured by her three children (Kamal, Dalip, and Irene), her two daughters-in-law (Aida and Anita), her son-in-law (Philip) and her three grandchildren (Jaynen, Amit, and Isobel). 

Kala’s family included her siblings Pushpa, Maya, Satya, Shanti, Vijay (Anita), Durga (Suman), and Lakshmi. She was cherished by her siblings-in-law Satya, Hem, Tara, Maya, Chandrika (Roshni), Ganesh (Dushla), Suruj (Josephine), Saten, Satish (Reena), Jagdish (Madhu), Mahesh (Bhijma), and Dhiren. Kala is predeceased by all three of the above-mentioned parents, three siblings (Maya, Satya and baby brother), sister-in-law Sardha, brother-in-law Harial, father-in-law Bans Raj, mother-in-law Ram Dei, and her close friends Gangamma and Lalitta.

Kala loved travelling, gardening, and socializing with her friends and family. She treasured her bhainis, with whom she shared her pain and happiness. Kala was an amazing cook, and she took great pride in nourishing both her loved ones and strangers in need. She adored her grandchildren and was happiest in their company.  Kala, a woman of great faith, was an enthusiastic celebrator of religious and cultural festivities such as Diwali and Holi. 

She will be remembered for her humour, kindness, and empathy.  She loved her family and was greatly loved in return. While we are grateful that she is no longer in pain, we will miss her laughter, and the love and care she bestowed on all of us. 

A Hindu funeral and cremation for Kala Wati Shankar will take place at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Edmonton Crematorium & Funeral Home, 6403 Roper Rd NW, Edmonton, AB. 

Our sincere thanks to the Lynnwood Continuing Care Facility staff, who provided dedicated care to Kala over the past year. In recognition of Kala’s experiences with cancer and dementia, please donate directly to the  Alzheimer’s Society or the  Canadian Cancer Society .