Patricia Rohini Mistry was born September 13, 1936 in Bassein, India to Mr. Gulab and Mrs. Flora Gilbert-Christian. Her father was an Executive Magistrate or Tehsildar in India, and she was the fifth of seven children (Joel, Hector, Flora, Hubert, Patricia, Rudolph, Diana). Among family, she was referred to as Rohini but otherwise went as Patricia.

She was university-educated and during school she once had the honor of singing in front of Mahatma Gandhi. She went on to teach at a College in Mumbai. While living in an apartment with units on the same floor, she got into an elevator where she met her future husband, Adi Mistry.

Adi was the eldest child in his family and had four sisters (Sheila, Rita, Nasrine and Pervin). Adi’s sister Sheila planned to emigrate to the U.S. (New Jersey) and back then it was a journey with many stops along the way. One stop was Toronto, Canada and Sheila liked it so much she decided not to go south of the border. Adi and Rohini’s adventurous spirit led the engaged couple to follow in Sheila’s footsteps and emigrate to Toronto in 1968 (Adi arrived in January and Rohini arrived August). Rohini’s path to Toronto included stops and her favorites were Rome, Frankfurt and Paris. They were married at St. David’s (Keele and Lawrence Ave. W.) on September 14, 1968. Their children, Grace Ameeta and Jeremy Gilbert were born in Toronto and christened at St. David’s.

Both did a few jobs before getting into their careers as educators. Rohini briefly worked at the former Eaton’s department store (we still have Christmas tree ornaments she bought from Eaton’s) and was a bank teller at RBC Financial Group. Adi was a professor of business, transportation, logistics and travel at George Brown College and Rohini was an elementary school teacher and reading clinic specialist with the Toronto District School Board.

The church was a big part of the family’s life. Adi and Rohini were very involved in the community serving on advisory groups including helping those new to Canada. She enjoyed attending retreats. The family worshipped at St. Clements Anglican until 1999 when Adi passed away at the age of 63. Rohini continued to worship at churches including St. Jude Wexford, St. James Cathedral, Trinity Anglican in Aurora and St. John Norway.

Both Adi and Rohini were excellent cooks. Adi would make chutneys and preserves from vegetables grown in their garden to sell at the Christmas Bazaar annually and he was an excellent baker. Rohini’s turkey stuffing is a delicious food tradition that Grace has carried on every Thanksgiving for many years.

There was always classical music playing at the house. Rohini would listen to Classical 96.3 FM on the radio and enjoyed attending Canadian Opera Company productions.

Rohini liked Jane Austen novels and a favorite was Pride and Prejudice. When the BBC turned it into a made-for-TV production she enjoyed watching it.

In the years following Adi’s death, she joined her kids on various holidays from Grand Bend and Jackson’s Point to Barbados, Mexico, The Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Rohini loved the heat so getting away from cold Canadian winters was always welcome.

She loved to drink Red Rose tea with milk each morning and late afternoon. She also enjoyed a glass of wine or brandy, at social events or during the holidays. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her grand-daughters Olivia, Kaia and Laila. She got the greatest pleasure from being around her kids and their families.

A "Celebration of Life" get-together is currently being planned by Grace and Jeremy.
Details on the restaurant location and date/time will be posted in the next few days once we confirm.
All Family and Friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.

Donations can be made to the Michael Garron Hospital "Grateful Giving" using the Donations Link at top of webpage. Or copy link below..
https://www.mghf.ca/ways-give/grateful-giving

Rest in Peace Mum