CELEBRATING LIFE OF SMT. VEDVATI SHARMA
“Today, we honour a woman whose boundless love and strength touched us all. Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit remains forever woven into our hearts, a timeless presence that will never fade”.
I wish to share with you the remarkable story of our mother’s life—a tale of grace, courage, and devotion that will continue to inspire and guide us long after today.”
Smt. Vedvati Sharma, born on April 7th, 1937, in Ambala, India, to Mr. Lekh Raj Kaushik and Mrs. Savitri Devi Kaushik, exemplified a spirit destined to leave a lasting impact. Growing up between Ambala and the remote village of Ramsar in Haryana, she was an adventurous child with a deep curiosity and an innate desire to learn, despite the challenging circumstances of her rural upbringing. Surrounded by a family of farmers who struggled to make ends meet, Vedvati became acutely aware of the barriers that the lack of education posed for her community. However, her determination to rise above these challenges and her father’s unwavering encouragement kept her on track. Her early education shaped her values of compassion, integrity, and resilience, which she carried with her throughout her life.
After completing her schooling, Vedvati earned a scholarship to pursue higher education, which became the foundation for her future. While she was graduating from Punjab University for a bachelor’s degree in arts, she was offered a position as a teacher at the age of 18 years in a School at Sarahan a remote and educationally backward village in Himachal Pradesh. Thus, setting the stage for her professional journey as a teacher. Eager to make a difference she enrolled for Bachelor of arts degree in Punjab University as a private student. In 1957, she married Shri Narendra Nath Sharma, a highly educated teacher of those times who shared her passion for education, and together they built a life dedicated to empowering others through learning. Their small, dilapidated school became a symbol of hope in the community, where education was once seen as a distant luxury. The couple’s tireless work, often using their own resources, created an environment where children from disadvantaged backgrounds could learn, grow, and dream of a better future.
The vision they shared led to the establishment of a more formal school in 1965, with modern facilities, thanks to the support of the community and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Both of our mother and father headed two schools in the village as principals. Under their leadership, both the schools flourished, gaining respect across the region for their commitment to academic excellence, moral values, and social responsibility. Throughout her career, Vedvati became known for her compassionate leadership and her ability to mentor and inspire countless students, many of whom later returned back to the community as teachers, doctors, engineers, and leaders.
Vedvati continued to serve her community even after retiring in 1995, offering free tuition and financial support to underprivileged children and supporting local educational initiatives.
Vedvati's legacy is defined not just by the school she built but by the values of love, dedication, and service she instilled in her family and community. Her four children Dr. Sat, Sachin, Sucheta, and Dr. Savita, along with their life partners Anjula, Archana, Ashok and late Dr. J.P. became highly successful professionals in their respective occupations, crediting their parents for teaching them the importance of education, perseverance, and kindness.
Her love, guidance and encouragement was passed on to the next generation where her grandchildren Dr. Sarah, Akash, Arzoo, Archit, Dr. Richa, Saurav, Dr. Gaurav, Anshuman and Dr. Alisha along with their life partners Akash, Dr. Joey, Dr. Arun, Dr. Nikki and Dr. Naman are all thriving in their chosen professions.
In addition, her great-grandchildren—Allana, Aria, Isabella, and Avya—filled her heart with boundless pride and happiness. This family, a testament to her nurturing love and guidance, will carry her memory and legacy forward with great reverence and love.
Vedvati passed away peacefully on March 10th, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, strength, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of education. Her life, characterized by grace, determination, and selflessness, continues to inspire all who knew her.
Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched, and the schools she and our father led with passion for education. Their exemplary leadership remains a beacon of hope in their community.
Her memory will be cherished forever, reminding us to live with the same dedication, love, and commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.
“In the silence of our grief, we also find a profound gratitude—for the moments shared, the lessons learned, and the love that will never die. Her legacy will forever echo in the lives she touched.”
“Goodbye, dear mother.
Your love will always be with us.”
Funeral Details
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Gathering
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Friday, 14 Mar 2025 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Info: Enter Mount Pleasant Cemetery through the East Gates off Mount Pleasant Rd., and follow the signs to the Funeral Centre.
Funeral Service
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Friday, 14 Mar 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Info: A link to Livestream the Funeral Service will become active on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 10:15am, and can be found at the top of this page.
Witnessing
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Friday, 14 Mar 2025 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Info: Following the Funeral Service, Cremation will take place at the Mount Pleasant Crematorium on the West Side of Mount Pleasant Rd.
Reception
Ambiyan Restaurant
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2S9
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