Swadesh Kumari Sachdeva

Swadesh Kumari Sachdeva died on March 2, 2025 at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her husband Om (2019) and is survived by her children Ajay (Tracy), Priti and Atul (Ariadna), grandchildren Travis (Alexandra), Jade (Thomas John), Abigail and Avrielle and great granddaughter Georgia. Born in India, she was the eldest child of Sukh Dev and Roop Rani Mehta. She was predeceased by sisters Suman and Subashni and brothers Vishnu and Keshav. Brothers Ashok and Yash survive her, along with many nieces and nephews and their families in Canada, India, UK, Australia and US.

Swadesh was a true adventurer. At age 18 she married Om and moved to Kenya, where their children were born. Sharing a joint determination for a better future for their family, they immigrated to Canada in 1968. The couple eventually settled in Beamsville, a small town in the Niagara area of Ontario, where they made their home for 45 years. They wholeheartedly embraced a new community and culture, while continuing to honour their heritage. They were involved in many community organizations and made long lasting friends from all walks of life and backgrounds. Later in life Swadesh and Om moved to Victoria, BC to live with Atul and Ariadna and their young family.

A long-time member of the Women’s Institute, Swadesh frequently gave talks about the history and work of the WI, and the importance of volunteerism. She received a Citizenship award from the City of Hamilton for her relentless efforts in the campaign to preserve the WI’s Erland Lee (Museum) Home. Always ready to help those in need, she opened her home to young women fleeing difficult circumstances, helping them get back on their feet. In this way, she carried on the legacy of her mother who helped refugees after Partition and started a school for girls and young women.

Swadesh was fluent in several languages and a math wiz. With her knowledge of Sanskrit and interest in Hinduism, she led the prayers at the Vedic Arya Samaj in Burlington for decades. She was part of the production team for a children’s stage performance of the epic Ramayan. She enjoyed giving talks about India and Hinduism at local schools and the annual World Religion Day conference. An active and busy woman, she was a crafting maven extraordinaire. The beautiful works of art she created in needlepoint grace the homes of family and friends. She was a voracious reader, and especially loved historical fiction. She learned to preserve the fruit and vegetables grown on local farms, cook all types of cuisine and bake fruit pies. Family, friends, Om’s business partners and clients enjoyed feasting on her delicious Indian cuisine. In other interests, the couple enjoyed square dancing and travel.

Swadesh’s values of hard work, responsibility and devotion to family and community serve as an inspiration to her family. Hers was a long life, well-lived.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Heights at Mountview and the devoted companions who supported Swadesh in recent years as her health declined.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Swadesh’s memory to the Erland Lee (Museum) Home through the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

A celebration of life will be arranged for a later date.