Obituary of Venaswariee Maharaj

**In Loving Memory of a Radiant Soul**
With heavy hearts, we announce Venasawrie ‘Dolly’ Maharaj, age 94, of Toronto,
Ontario, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21st, 2024 with her daughter and son
by her side. She was born on Sunday January 26th, 1930 in Avocat, Trinidad and Tobago
to the late Mahabir Maharaj and Seepathia Maharaj. A woman whose radiant spirit and
boundless warmth enriched the lives of all who knew her. With a laminating smile and an
infectious belly laugh that would emanate light and make everyone feel better. Her
presence was a gift; she entered every room with a radiant energy that drew people to her,
compelling them to know her better and, invariably, to love her deeply.
Venasawrie was a dedicated grandmother, wife, mother, daughter and friend who touched
the lives of all who knew her. Grandma’s life was a beautiful testament to her profound
devotion to Hinduism, which she embraced not only as a faith but as the essence of her
being. Her spirituality illuminated her path and inspired those around her, guiding her
every action with compassion and grace. She enjoyed attending the Raj Yoga Centre in
her senior years. They would call her Mata ji.
Grandma left Trinidad in the late 1960s to begin a new adventure with her husband in
Toronto, Canada. They would purchase their first home at 107 Moore Street. She would
raise her children to become the successful and kind individuals they are today.
She was a fervent advocate for education, instilling in her family a relentless pursuit of
knowledge and a deep respect for the power of learning. Her belief in the transformative
power of education was a gift she gave us all, nurturing our growth with patience and
wisdom.
In her younger years she was a talented dress maker and had many collectable dolls that
she made extravagant outfits for. She enjoyed watching her soaps, young and the restless,
bold and beautiful, days of our lives and general hospital. She enjoyed spending time
shopping at The Bay, and riding the TTC. Grandma enjoyed spending time with her
family. Grandma specifically enjoyed being a Grandma and having the opportunity to be
surrounded by and raise her grandchildren. Her love for cooking and feeding others was
very important to her, everyone who left her, left with a full belly. She dedicated her life
to the service of others.

Grandma’s sense of humor was a wellspring of joy in our lives. Her laughter, hearty and
wholehearted, could light up the darkest days and soften the hardest hearts. She laughed
with her whole self, and in her laughter, we found comfort and connection.
Her generosity knew no bounds. With a kind heart and open arms, she taught us the joy
of giving, not just through material things, but through time, attention, and unconditional
love. Her legacy of kindness is a beacon that will continue to guide us.
Grandma is survived by seven living children Cindy, Viash/Muni (Dianne), Kris
(Dharamdeo), Patti (Mark), Beda (Donna),Copi (Lois) and Robin (Debra). She is now
joining her two children Vishnu and Dama and her Husband Parasram Maharaj. She
leaves behind many 24 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren and many family and
friends who will miss her .
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we find solace in our cherished
memories and in the love she spread so freely. Though she has left our sight, her light
remains, a guiding star in the hearts of all who loved her. We celebrate her remarkable
life, even as we mourn her loss, and we hold her close within us, forever a beloved
presence, eternally missed.
A celebration of Grandma’s life will be held on at Lotus Funeral and Cremation Centre
on Wednesday 24th 2024 121 City View Dr Toronto, Ontario M9W 5A8 .
Viewing and Funeral will take place from 2-5 pm.