Obituary of Shachi Bhargava

It is with great sadness that the family of Shachi Bhargava shares that she passed peacefully, with family at her bedside, on June 18, 2026, just days after her celebrated 92nd birthday. Shachi was a beloved wife, Mom, Jiji, Amma, Nani, Bari Nani, and cherished friend to so many.

Shachi was born in the sacred city of Mathura, India, on June 8, 1934, to Sharda Bhargava, future Member of Parliament, and Prof. Bhagwan Das Bhargava. She was an avid student of Indian culture, excelling in music and dance, and completed her Master of Philosophy from Maharani College in Jaipur. She married her soul-mate Naresh Kumar Bhargava, and always seeking adventure, they emigrated to Canada with their baby in 1960, settling in Cornwall, Ontario, a place they called home for 60 years.

Shachi will be sadly missed by her husband of 68 years, Naresh; her two children, Amita (David) and Niraj (Marina); and her five granddaughters, Mira (Riley), Katie (Derrick), Amy, Maya, and Ariane. Shachi was thrilled by the recent arrival of her two great-grandchildren, Graham and Reina. She was predeceased by her brother Ashok, and will be lovingly remembered by her brothers and Bhabhis: Bharat, Yognidra, Usha, Harsh, Aruna, Vikram, and Pushpa. Shachi was also Bhua, Chachi, Mausi, and Auntie to many dear ones.

Shachi over the years, organized and participated in many spiritual events at home and in the community, including at the Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton. She was proud of her heritage and shared her gifts of music and dance widely performing in both formal and informal settings and teaching local children. She was also a successful businesswoman, an enthusiastic bridge player, and a dedicated volunteer with a number of community organizations. Perhaps most of all, Shachi was a loving presence who opened her home to many, welcoming friends and family with love, delicious food and warm hospitality.

A private family cremation will be held on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026. This will be followed by a memorial gathering from 3–6 pm at Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, where we will quietly honour her soul's rising. The family warmly invites friends and family to join the visitation to share their memories with Shachi's loved ones.

The family is also planning a Havan and Celebration of Life for both Naresh and Shachi on the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton. More details will be available; please RSVP to shachinaresh@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to:

Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton — www.hindutemple.ca or e-transfer to treasurer@hindutemple.ca or Bhargava Family Scholarship (Carleton University) a fund established by Shachi and Naresh in 2021 for students completing graduate work in Biomedical Science: futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/bhargava-family-scholarship/

Om Namah Shivaya