Ngin ieid ia phi baroh shi junom | We will love you forever

Theodora Ottilia Deb Sawian passed away peacefully on November 21, 2022, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Known to those around her as Ottilia, she devoted herself to her family, friends, and the community she built around her.

Ottilia lived her life with great care for those around her, loving her children deeply and doing all she could to make every moment special. Her children reflect on the spontaneous road trips and the annual traditions she created such as high tea and apple picking, as well as the affection and support she gave them every day. Her radiant smile and laugh would fill any room and has been passed down to her children.

Ottilia expressed her unconditional love with selfless acts of kindness, as well as through the food she made. She provided support to her friends in their times of need, travelling any distance necessary, and celebrated every milestone and event in their lives. Everyone who knows her will attest to her amazing cooking, baking, and of course, iconic butter chicken and doh sniang.

A pillar of the Khasi community in Toronto, she organized the annual Shillong Bamkhana picnic to gather Khasi’s from across Ontario and the United States to celebrate their culture. Immigrating to Toronto in 1996, she built a long career as a Quality Assurance Analyst in software, making lifelong friends with those she worked with.

Ottilia, the daughter of Kelosimon Sawian and Tobias Orlando Pugh, will be fondly remembered by her children Ayesha Deb (spouse Daniel Ganes) and Neil Deb; and her brother Patrick Pugh Sawian.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday November 27, 2022 at 11:00 am EST at York Cemetary and Funeral Centre, located at 160 Beecroft Road. For friends and family around the world, the funeral service will be livestreamed on Sunday, November 27th starting at 10:30am. Please clink on the link above Theodora's portrait, which will appear during that time to view the service live. As of November 30th the recording will be available to view by clicking on the media tab above.