Obituary of Kavita Berry

Hello all, We are devastated to let you know that our dearest Mama, Kavita (Maina) Berry passed away on Sept 22nd at 9:02 pm EST at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. She succumbed to injuries she sustained after a catastrophic fall on August 23rd. For over 4 weeks Mama fought ferociously, determined to overcome the odds against her recovery and return home. Alas it was not to be and she is finally at rest, released from her tremendous pain. She showed such fortitude that it took our breath away on a daily basis and of course she impressed all who came to know her during her treatment. Even in the midst of her suffering, she was always reminding us to thank people for their messages and earlier in her stay at the hospital, gave the medical staff detailed feedback so that another senior would not have to go through the vicissitudes she had endured during treatment. Typical of her personality, she was thinking of others until the very end. Mama was the bedrock foundation on which this family was built. As children we would awaken to the sound of her melodious voice singing along with the radio as she prepared tea and our breakfast for the day. Her greatest joy was her family and her kids. As a mother, she was unconditionally loving, tender, kind, nurturing and indulgent. She was fiercely protective of us and deeply proud of our achievements no matter how small they were. She created a home full of happiness, fun and love which was the safe place we could always rely on. Her delicate elegant hands were always busy. She was an excellent cook and could whip up meals for unexpected guests in no time flat. Among other dishes you may remember, her Sindhi Kadhi was legendary and cooked in vast quantities to be shared with friends and family. Mama never got used to cooking in small quantities and everyone got a "doggy bag" of food at the end of a meal with her. So many of you have shared with us your "special" dish that she remembered and cooked especially for you. She loved puzzles and games...Euchre and word jumbles being her favourite. And boy was she was competitive, regularly engaging Sujata on Sundays (standing family day) to play a round of Rummy or Dominoes only to slay her most of the time. Never having had a pet, she took to Sujata's dog Freddie Pickles with genuine affection, enjoying hanging out with him and indulging him with treats - regularly calling Sujata to find out how her rascal Freddo was doing. After more than a decade of living together, Sudha and Mama shared a special and deep bond. They were a team, doing everything together from shopping, cooking and eating meals to going to all medical appointments for Mama. They could anticipate each other's needs, moods and desires without uttering a word. Mama depended on Sudha entirely, completely refusing to do anything without first consulting Sudha. This time with Mama is her special gift for Sudha - deeply cherished and priceless. Despite her physical fragility, Mama had an iron will and in rough times she was the rock on which we all sheltered during a storm. Mama had overcome so many traumas in her life but losing our brother - Sharad and Papa shattered her. Their spirits were always present in her mind especially in moments of distress in these last days. We hope that as we write this they are having a super fun reunion in the great beyond. Most of all, we will remember and miss Mama for her big big heart from which love flowed generously to friends and family across the oceans. She collected friends who became like family everywhere and we know that you, like us will feel this loss deeply. The unconditional deep well of love she showered on us daily was the foundation of our lives. We have lost the person who gave our family its spirit and light. As per her wishes, there will be a private cremation - "no muss, no fuss" she repeatedly told us. Soon we will announce a date for a celebration of Mama's extraordinary life highlighting so many accomplishments of which she was never mindful, but we her children saw them and know that Mama is shining high and bright, a luminous soul for eternity. Thank you for all the love, care and support so many of you have expressed to us...it has carried and will carry us through this dark time. We are deeply grateful for the bond you have with Mama either directly or through us. In gratitude and profoundest grief, Sudha and Sujata --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please be advised about the temporary limitation of funeral services in GTA, as per the following link: https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-bao-additional-restrictions-for-bereavement-sector/ Our building will be able to accommodate the following under these guidelines set out by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) and Public Health. The Restrictions are as follows: • Maximum of 75 guests allowed to be seated in the chapel at one time; up to 75 additional people can be in the building, so long as social distancing guidelines are followed (two metres (six feet) between people.) • Line Ups are permitted outside, as long as social-distancing is practiced. • Cycling of Guests is permitted, as long as capacity never exceeds 150 in the building. • Screening and logging of guests must be done by our staff. • As always face masks and cleaning hands are mandatory. These rules are mandatory and Lotus Funeral and Cremation Centre Inc. needs to follow these for the safety of your guests, as well as, the staff. Families are provided with zoom video options to invite friends and family that may not be able to attend in person due to these restrictions.