Veena Puja Nanda was a mother to many and leaves behind countless family members and friends whose lives she touched through her unwavering love and nourishing spirit.

Puja was born on September 14, 1955 in Khai Pheme Ki, a small village in Punjab, India. Puja was the eighth of nine children born to Kundan Lal and Kaushalia Devi Madan, who in raising Puja, rejected the rigid gender norms that existed at the time. While the girls and young women around Puja were being drilled in performing domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning, she spent her days fighting kites on the rooftop of her house. As a teenager, and without any formal training, Puja willed her way to becoming a state and national level badminton player, winning numerous championships. After graduating high school, Puja was encouraged to pursue higher education like her brothers rather than being married off like so many around her.

The freedom afforded Puja as a teenager shaped her into the bold, dynamic woman that she would become as an adult. Puja was never shy to speak her mind but approached every person and circumstance she encountered with compassion and understanding. Puja made those around her feel at home, that they mattered and were loved, particularly her siblings Sohan Lal (Sushil), Manohar Lal (Kamlesh), Smitra Devi (Mangat Ram), Harbans Lal (Kusum), Subash Lal, Pushpa Devi (Professor Mohan Lal Arora), Ashok (Anita), and Satish (Vanita).

Puja's direct and nurturing manner is what drew her greatest admirer, her late husband Salil. After a brief meeting, the two were married 46 years ago today - January 31, 1977. The pair were married for 45 years before Salil's passing this past March, and led to their three beautiful children Aman, Jason (Alejandra), and Kirti (andip) and two granddaughters Freya and Nora.

Puja relocated to Hamilton, Ontario with Salil after their marriage, leaving her immediate family. In Canada, Puja and Salil were exposed to a range of challenges as they built a life together in a new country. But, Puja's decisive, hard-working, 

and adaptable nature allowed her to overcome every obstacle she encountered. Puja became a licensed optician, working as one for over four decades in Hamilton, Calgary, Okotoks, and Edmonton as the family moved around the country.

Although thousands of kilometres separated Puja and her mother, siblings, and nieces and nephews, she made sure there was never any distance between them. Puja was in near constant communication with her family. Puja arranged for numerous members of her family to visit and live with her in Canada, including her mother. There was never a milestone or celebration that Puja missed or was not the first person to call or message her congratulations.

Puja bonded quickly with Salil's family, who eventually all followed him to Canada. Puja and Salil would become an integral part of their lives, the family members who everyone turned to first in both times of pain and joy. Puja also added to her family wherever she went, making such deep and lasting bonds at her workplace or in the community that her friends became family.

Puja was the type of person who takes great care and dedication in nurturing her relationships with others. It was Puja who would make the call or send the text message, checking in on you, following up on a previous conversation, or just to hear your voice because it had been too long.

Puja lived a life that we can all learn from. One built on being there for those who mattered most, without reservations or judgement. A life that will remain forever in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.

We will miss you Puja and love you forever.