It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kokilaben, devoted wife of Arvindbhai (deceased), beloved mother of Roochita (Sid), Sheil and Shibani, and grandmother to Tarak, Saraya, Jayan, Kareena and Maya who were the greatest joys of her life. She died peacefully at the age of 84 on August 3, 2021 at home with her family in Mississauga, where she had resided for over 45 years.

Family and friends were the bedrock of Kokilaben’s life and she welcomed any opportunity to spend time with others. She enjoyed hosting family from all over the world, building lasting relationships and memories that meant so much to her. From her university education and career as a teacher in India, her love of learning carried throughout her life and had an indelible impact on her daughters. Kokilaben was an accomplished cook and loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals with and for her family, ensuring to pass along her knowledge to her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, Kokilaben shared her love of crafts by crocheting blankets, scarves and hats for her family, as well as donating them to charity. She loved socializing and participating with the Gujarati Seniors Samaj of Mississauga. She took particular comfort in sharing her faith and practice with the members of her satsang group.

The only daughter of Sushilaben and Jayrambhai Patel, Kokilaben loved her brothers Navinbhai (deceased), Mahendrabhai and Kaushikbhai, and took particular pleasure in her relationships with her sisters-in-law Umaben, Bhartiben and Jyotiben. Their children held a special place in her heart. Her husband’s family were also so dear to her, including nephews Bhupesh (Mona), Mayur (Prabha) and Neil, who were like her own children.

While we wish we could welcome everyone whose lives were touched by Kokilaben, COVID restrictions require that the funeral be a small event for the immediate family only. Even though we cannot all be together to celebrate her life, we know that her ability to lovingly bring people together will be remembered and felt by family and friends around the world. We take solace in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “There is a soul force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us and produce miraculous results.” Kokilaben’s soulforce has touched us all, passing on to us a love that will continue to flow through our lives.

In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation (https://trilliumgiving.ca/).