Shiv PANWAR
Shiv Panwar (1954—2023)
Shiv Panwar (Kumari) was born in Jaipur, September 12, 1954, to a prominent family from Kota, Rajasthan. She died peacefully on November 26, 2023 aged 69. Shiv was the youngest of three daughters of Major (Retd.) Abhey Singh (Poona Horse) and Chand Kumari. Shiv was educated at The Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School in Jaipur and received her BA in political science and economics from Jesus and Mary College of the University of Delhi.
Shiv married her husband Raja Panwar on December 30, 1981 and joined him in Smoky Lake, Alberta in March 1982. It was in Smoky Lake that she made many lifelong friends, learnt to be a homemaker and enjoyed living in a rural community. She also worked as a teller in the local branch of CIBC. On December 21, 1984 she gave birth to a son, Suryaraj Panwar.
Although Shiv had no prior experience in homemaking or cooking, she soon learned how to be an excellent cook. While in Smoky Lake, Shiv took up cross country skiing, loved grouse shooting and long drives in the country. Her wild duck a l’orange was absolutely delicious.
In 1986, Shiv moved with her husband to Edmonton. Shiv loved to travel and with her husband, she travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Chile, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, USA and Turkey. Many of these travels combined learning about wine and the local cuisine, which often meant staying in rural guest houses in addition to galleries and museums in larger cities.
Shiv was a gentle individual that belied a very strong character and was a devoted mother to Suryaraj and a devoted partner to her husband, Raja. Living near Edmonton’s river valley, she walked, jogged and climbed stairs regularly and swam at the Hotel MacDonald.
In 2018, Shiv was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Shiv bravely endured PSP with determination and valiantly fought the advancement of PSP through exercise and fitness.
She leaves behind her grandsons Charlie Singh Panwar and Leon Jacob Panwar, daughter-in-law Nicole Giacobbo and son Suryaraj Singh Panwar; and husband of 41 years, Rajendra Singh Panwar. Shiv also leaves behind her oldest sister Indira Kumari of Panna, and many cousins, nieces and nephews in India.
We thank the staff at The Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre for the gentle care they provided. We also want to extend our gratitude to Dr. Manchikanti, Floor Manager Ligaya Velasco, and the staff on 11Y for their dedicated care since 2021; and others for all the care they provided for Shiv since her diagnosis in 2018.
We mourn the death of this vital, energetic, devoted and kind individual who was taken away from us much too soon at the age of 69.
With shock and profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Shiv, much beloved wife to Raja and mother to Suryaraj. We recall with fondness the golf game we shared with Raja and her in Jasper a few years ago. We really appreciated her patience and humour! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Dear Raja, Suryaraj, Nicole and family, My sincere condolences. I will especially remember Shiv as a loyal friend, dedicated wife and mother, devoted grandmother, and for her kindness. It is with fondness that I recall the fun visits and outings our families enjoyed together, and particularly I will remember Shiv’s vivacious approach to life.. May your memories of happier times comfort you.