Obituary of Leelawathie Pachai

Leelawathie (Leela) Pachai
Mum was born in 1935 in a rural settlement in apartheid South Africa. Mum married Bridglal
(Bridge) Pachai (d. 2019) in 1952 in a traditional Hindu wedding, the launch of a fabulous
adventure together.
The adventure first took Mum to Ghana where she discovered the joys and opportunities of a
life free of the shackles of apartheid and, from there, to Malawi. In her memoir, Mum writes
that her years in Malawi were when she found herself; she “had taken courses, learned how
to drive, participated in volunteer activities, honed [her] skills as a hostess, made many
friendships, traveled the world, raised [her] children and supported [her] husband.” Pretty
remarkable considering she had lived in a tin-roofed mud house with communal toilets as a
child!
In 1975 Mum and Dad emigrated to Canada, giving their children the stability of a permanent
home. In Halifax Mum continued what she started in Malawi and more, qualifying as a dental
hygienist, volunteering with various organizations and making many friends.
As well as having extraordinary culinary skills, Mum was accomplished in painting, sewing,
crocheting and knitting. She loved traveling and playing golf and tennis. She was formidable
as the Queen of Scrabble and Quiddler.
Mum leaves behind the “merry five” (Dad’s words), her children Jairaj, Indira, Santosh
(Sonny), Ansuya, and Pradeep. They and her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren are
deeply grateful for the time they had with her and are comforted knowing that she is now at
peace.