Obituary of Chandrowtee Doobay

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Chandrowtee Doobay, on Tuesday, January 22, 2025. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in Ottawa, Canada, at the age of 87.

Born on August 29, 1936, in Georgetown, British Guiana, Chandrowtee was the cherished daughter of Sugrim and Sukwari Geer and the loving sister of Drepaul, Indrawattie, Lilowattie, and Deopaul. Despite societal barriers as a young girl that prevented her from completing her formal education, she displayed extraordinary resilience and ambition, building multiple businesses alongside her late husband, Jhalankant Doobay, who predeceased her in 1985.

Chandrowtee was a devoted mother to her five sons, Tulsieram (Robbie) and his wife, Indarjeet (Barbara), who blessed her with two loving granddaughters, Dr. Julie and Rita Doobay-Joseph (Kirk Joseph), and two precious great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Jordan.The late Khemraj, who departed this world in 1976 but remained close to her heart. Balwant (Simbu) and his wife, Shanti (Sunita), who gave her a beautiful granddaughter, Mikayla, whom she adored. Rudranauth (Rudy) and his wife, Susan, who blessed her with a granddaughter, Christina, and her first grandson, Marcus. Rajen and his wife, Kathlean C. Fitzpatrick, who took immense pride in calling her their mom.

Moving to Canada to start a better life, thanks to her elder son Robbie, in 1982 she worked tirelessly to provide a home and comfort with two full-time jobs. She was deprived of our dad in 1985, returning to college despite never having the opportunity to attend high school; mom graduated from Algonquin College and leveraged that so that we all had successful lives. Mom is a testament to the immigrant experience who approached life with dignity building an empire of friendships and love.

Chandrowtee’s legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering determination. She was a testament to the immigrant experience, building a life filled with dignity, success, and countless friendships. Her passion for gardening, especially growing roses, brought joy to all who passed by her home on Baseline Road.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Cole Funeral Services &  Pinecrest Remembrance, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. A Hindu Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with cremation to follow. 

In honour of Chandrowtee’s, attendees are invited to celebrate and honour Mom with flowers

She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Requiem for Chandrowtee

She left us gently, in peaceful sleep, On a winter’s day, so calm, so deep. At Lombardo Drive, her journey's end, In Ottawa, where hearts still bend.

Born on Lombard Street so far, In British Guiana, like a star. To Sugrim and Sukwari Geer, With siblings close, so true, so near.

Drepaul, Indrawattie, Lilowattie too, And Deopaul, all in life she knew. Though schooling’s path was closed to her, She paved her own, without demur.

With Jhalnkant, her love so grand, They built together, hand in hand. A pioneer strong, in heart and stance, One of the first feminists to wear pants.

Five sons she raised with love so wide, Through every joy and tear she cried. Robby first, with Barbara bright, Two granddaughters, pure delight.

Julie, with Benji by her side, And Rita and Kirk, filled with so much pride. Jasmine and Jordan, sweet and true, Her love for them forever grew.

Khemraj left too soon, too fast, Yet in her heart, she held him steadfastalways Balwant and Sunita blessed her years, With Mikayla’s laughter, love, and cheers.

Rudy and Sue, their love did grow, With Christina, Marcus in tow. And Rajen last, with Kathlean dear, So proud to call her "Mom" sincere.

In Canada’s cold, she made her way, With strength and courage, day by day. Two jobs she worked, no time to rest, To build for us, she gave her best.

Our dad, mom lost in eighty-five, Yet still she thrived, she stayed alive. Algonquin’s halls she walked with grace, Her strength and will none could replace.

Her hands so kind, they toiled, they grew, Roses bright with morning dew. On Baseline Road, her flowers bloomed, Where friendships sparked and hearts were groomed.

And now we gather, near and far, To honour her, our guiding star. With flowers bright, we'll share her love, And send our prayers to skies above.

On Monday eve and Tuesday morn, We'll hold her close, though we are torn. A legacy of love she gave, A life so full, so kind, so brave.

Rest now, dear Mom, your work is done, Your love still shines, like the morning sun. Forever cherished, ever near, Your memory blooms year on year.