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ASHA RANI GUPTA
Born: May 11, 1941
Date of Passing: Oct 28, 2021
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ASHA RANI GUPTA
May 11, 1941 - October 28, 2021
"...When it's over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world
into my arms..."
-Mary Oliver
Born in Moradabad, India, Asha was raised in a caring home which included her grandmother, whose connection to earthly rhythms and spirit of service deeply influenced her. The eldest of seven siblings, her limitless capacity to nurture and support others showed itself early. After marriage to Ramesh in 1960 (Lakhimpur-Kheri), she immigrated to Canada in 1966 and began to raise three children with focused devotion. Settling in Winnipeg in 1967, she earned a Master's degree in sociology, worked at the University of Manitoba library for over 20 years and became a pillar in the South Asian community. Her home was a gathering place to celebrate communal joys, sorrows and worship; she embodied generosity, empathy and sage counsel. A woman of deep inner strength, Asha often travelled independently and drove through Winnipeg blizzards, astonished by the prairie sky. She creatively embraced western cultural ways while also proudly sharing her ancestral expertise with everyone she met through flavourful cuisine and ancient practices that awakened connections to Mother Earth. Her knowledge was innate and exact, never needing recipes or instructions to convey the customs that brought meaning and vitality to life.
Throughout the years, Asha was comfortable with duality. Being passionate about style and travel, she was always immaculately dressed, alive with colour, and ready for another adventure. At the same time, she treasured spiritual life, increasingly drawn to devotional prayers, meditation, yoga, silence, and communities of service. In her presence, one couldn't help but care for both - the material and the divine. Asha never ceased to marvel at the beauty of a blooming orchid, the joyous sound of a waterfall, or the luminous shape of the moon. To be with her in nature always brought a sense of wonder and delight. Nature responded in kind - in every garden or household she entered, she resurrected endless vegetation with her loving touch.
Perhaps her greatest contribution came in the wise, patient, and intuitive ways she navigated pain, loss, and discord. She always found graceful ways to forgive and adapt while preserving her dignity and integrity - and she never let suffering extinguish her playfulness. Right to the end, she immersed herself in joyful activities, be it reading poetry, playing bridge, home decor, acrylic painting, knitting, imparting recipes or smelling jasmine flowers.
We feel deep gratitude to the many care providers in Manitoba, BC, and Quebec who supported her, especially the CLSC Lac St. Louis palliative care team. With loving adoration from her husband Ramesh; children, Arpita, Namta and Rahul, son-in-law Raghu, daughter-in-law Kim; grandchildren, Mika, Maya, Nalin, Kian and Sathya; her brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, extended family and lifelong friends across many continents. May we all continue to experience her radiant presence and remarkable guidance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Asha's name to: the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Winnipeg Sai Centre or any spiritual/charitable organization of choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2021
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I am sorry to hear about Mrs. Gupta's passing. I have fond memories of her. - Posted by: Glenn Robinson (Family friend) on: Mar 13, 2022
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Unfortunately, I only met her once, briefly, in Gibsons when there for research work with Rahul but as I read her lyric description above there is a deep resonance with what I experienced as an aura of deep kindness and interest even in that brief encounter. And, of course, knowing and working with Rahul, I readily see the legacy she and Ramesh passed on to make the world a better place by her being in the world. I send mat deep affection and appreciation to the family. - Posted by: Bob Woollard (Friend and admirer of her son Rahul) on: Nov 14, 2021
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My deepest condolences go out to Mr. (Vivek) Gupta and Mr. Agrawal on the passing of Mrs. Gupta. I remember when I needed to sign out a book from the Elizabeth Dafoe Library for my Polish language course in the Faculty of Arts. The very friendly librarian said "I am happy for you" when I found what I was looking for, many years before having the honour to represent my nation at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in my beloved sport. - Posted by: Philip (No relation) on: Nov 10, 2021
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I will missed her always. She used to always keep smiling whenever I will meet her now it's been 3 years I haven't met her. It's sad to hear that I will never meet her in future but I will always pray for her. Rest in peace. My condolences with your family. Dipika, Chetan and Trisha - Posted by: Dipikaben lad (Aunty knew from sai center ) on: Nov 09, 2021
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Asha was a truly remarkable woman. Her generous spirit, thirst for knowledge and deep commitment to her family and friends will never be forgotten. She truly epitomized a person with strong spiritual beliefs and courage. Her joy in all things was infectious and her presence in this world will be missed. We know she has transcended all earthly concerns and is at peace. A life well lived! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ramesh, Arpita, Namta, Rahul, Raghu, Kim, Mika, Maya, Nalin, Kian, Sathya and extended family - Posted by: Peri Venkatesh & Patrice Yamada (family friend) on: Nov 08, 2021
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What a deep honour to have met Asha during her time on the Sunshine Coast. We were the fortunate recipients of the love and creativity that she so generously shared in the form of food. Although our times together were few, my conversations with Asha were impactful. We will remember her by the ease of her embodied presence, her warm smile and the twinkle in her eye. - Posted by: Janet and Mike (Friends ) on: Nov 07, 2021
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Asha has a been a special friend for many years when she and Ramesh lived in Winnipeg. Her intelligence, wit and warmth were extraordinary, so that spending time with that loving couple was always a treat, whether in our home or theirs. Her incredible courage and spiritual strength throughout her illness were an inspiration. The love of Ramesh and of her family were obviously the most important parts of her life. Losing Asha is a huge loss to her family and friends; the world is a lesser place without so fine a human being. - Posted by: Jean and Warren Ogren (friends) on: Nov 06, 2021