Shashi Kanta Kalia
Shashi Kalia Obituary
Shashi Kalia (1938 - 2026)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shashi Kalia, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was born in Hariana, Punjab, India on August 10,1938 to loving parents, Savitri and Dharm Chand Misra. In 1961, Shashi immigrated to Canada with her husband, Prem, arriving in Cold Lake, Alberta in the depths of winter, greeted by snow, vast open land and a life entirely new to her. Despite limited English, she met this new chapter with courage and determination, quickly learning the language, becoming part of the community and embracing her new country.
In 1964, Shashi and Prem moved to St. Paul, Alberta, where they built a life rich in friendship, connection and community. Their home became a place where people gathered, meals were shared and everyone felt welcome. St Paul always held a special place in her heart as it was where they raised their three daughters and forged lifelong friendships.
Committed to education, Shashi returned to India to complete her Bachelor of Arts, eventually continuing her studies at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto and the University of Oregon where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work. She built a meaningful career in St. Paul focussing on child protection, working as a front line worker and advancing quickly into supervisory and management roles. She was able to influence and make meaningful change by working collaboratively with community leaders and gaining trust and respect from those who she supported. Other notable achievements include helping to establish the first sexual assault centre and supporting vulnerable communities through her influence as a social worker and Board member for community organisations.
After moving to Edmonton in 1994, Shashi served on the Senate at the University of Alberta and as a Board member of Provincial Children Services. In retirement, she continued to be involved with her local community and joined the Strathcona Senior Centre Writing Group, where she became inspired to write her memoir, Sari on the Snow, reflecting on her early years in Canada and the life she built with courage and determination. She joined the Free Spirits, an eclectic group of women who engaged in intellectual conversations, culinary adventures, and became trusted confidantes. She rarely missed her weekly outing with the McDonald’s coffee group, enjoying the laughter and the love.
Shashi found joy and meaning in simple, everyday life activities. She was an exceptional cook, a devoted gardener, a lively card player and enjoyed learning new things. Her home was open, her table was full and she took great pride in bringing people together. Time spent with her was never rushed and It was thoughtful, warm and memorable.
In her later years, she faced physical challenges with quiet strength, never complaining, continuing to give of herself. Her resilience was steady and understated and her spirit remained strong. Her greatest joy was her family and she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The relationships she built were filled with love, care and lasting sense of connection.
Shashi will be remembered for her strength, kindness and generosity. Everyone was welcome, cared for and made to feel at home. She will be deeply missed and her influence and essence will continue through all who knew and loved her.
Shashi is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Prem; her children Cheenee Foster, Anita (Blair) McDowell, Sandy (Chris) Jackson and Gordon (Jill) Parker; her grandchildren Graeme (Zena) Parker and their children, Rami and Jude Parker; Nigel (Karla) Parker and their children, Isla and Nora Parker; Victoria Parker, Alyson Parker and Charlotte Foster; Caitlin (Dan) McDowell and their child, Luca; Liam McDowell (Denise), Maura McDowell and Alana McDowell; Samuel Jackson, Mikaela Jackson, Oliver Jackson and Meira Jackson; her siblings Gargi (Kewal) Rishi, Usha (Raj) Joshi, Veena (Balbir) Dutt and Kamlesh (Darshana) Misra as well as pre-deceased older brother Dev (Shakuntla) Sharma and their respective families; her sisters-in-law Kamlesh Joshi and Mamta Kalia and their families; as well as numerous extended family.
Shashi will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A Memorial Service will be held at Edmonton Crematorium Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shashi’s name may be made directly to the charity of choice.
For those who can not attend the service a live stream link is provided bellow
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