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Elegance & Grace:
Satinder Kaur Kapany

SONIA KAUR DHAMI

 

 

 

 

 

Satinder Kaur Kapany

September 29, 1928 - June 25, 2016

 

 

A daughter, wife, mother, artist and professional, she inspired me every time I met her.

She loved life and lived it to the fullest, in the true spirit of chardi kalaa.

She warmly welcomed me into the Sikh Foundation family 8 years ago. While working here I have come across her numerous contributions including her editorial in the “Sikh Sansar“, a journal published by the Sikh Foundation from 1972-1977. This special issue honors Sikh Women as part of the commemoration of United Nations “Women’s Year” in 1975.

Her writing truly reflects her own character and personality. As I read this piece, I could visualize parallels to her own life.

As a young immigrant coming to the United States in the 1950’s, she celebrated her own rich heritage while embracing all that was good in American society. While she nurtured her beautiful family she also achieved stellar success as a dynamic real estate professional.

In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Sikh Foundation in 2003, the Kapany family gifted over 100 pieces of exquisite Sikh art along with a generous financial gift to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. With this gift was established the “Satinder Kaur Kapany Gallery of Sikh Art” the first and only permanent Sikh Fine Art Gallery in a major museum in the Americas.

The setting up of this gallery was a tribute to her abiding interest and passion for Sikh arts.

Some of her favorite pieces included the magnificent portrait of Maharani Jind Kaur painted by artist George Richmond in 1896 and the Maharani’s personal jewelry.

An accomplished artist, she painted a series of paintings inspired by the Baramah compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib.

A valiant fighter, she faced the insurmountable challenge of Parkinson disease, with unparalleled courage and fortitude.

Her loving husband Dr. Narinder S Kapany, along with their daughter Kiki and son Raj, and their four gorgeous grandchildren - Ari, Misha, Tara and Nikki - continue to build on her endearing legacy.

Her magnificent Sikh Art collections and her loving memory will continue to inspire us all, years to come.


OBITUARY


Satinder Kaur Kapany, beloved wife of Narinder Singh Kapany, mother of Kiki Kaur and Raj Singh Kapany, grandmother of Ari, Misha, Tara and Nikki, mother-in-law of Michael Schwarz, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 25, 2016.

Funeral services will be held today, (Thursday, June 30, 2016) from 10 am - 12 pm at ‘Crippen and Flynn‘, 400 Woodside Road, Redwood City, California, USA. Afterwards the immediate family will leave for a private cremation ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The Sikh Foundation, 580 College Avenue #1, Palo Alto, California 94306, USA, or The Gorilla Foundation, 1733 Woodside Road #330, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA.


[Courtesy: The Sikh Foundation. Edited for sikhchic.com]

June 30, 2016

 

Conversation about this article

1: T. Sher Singh (Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada), June 30, 2016, 9:04 AM.

A perfect charmer, she indeed exuded grace and elegance every moment you spent with her. I have known her for two decades now, and each time I met her, she instantly reminded me of Audrey Hepburn ... her poise, intelligence, humour, strength. Married to an extraordinary man in his own right, you could see that not only was she his inspiration and muse, but also his pillar of strength. Each of the two, a towering personality! She will be missed.

2: Dr. Birinder Singh Ahluwalia (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), June 30, 2016, 10:36 AM.

I, on behalf of Ahluwalia family, extend heartfelt condolences to the Kapany family on the passing away of Sardarni Satinder Kaur Kapany. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

3: Pardeep Singh Nagra (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), July 05, 2016, 4:24 PM.

Sardarni Satinder Kaur ji was a kind soul. I will never forget her wonderful cooking when I visited them. In fact, it was so tasty that in gratitude she was honoured with a medal! We will miss you.

4: Bhai Harbans Lal (Dallas, Texas, USA), July 10, 2016, 12:43 AM.

We were deeply saddened to learn that Satinder Kaur ji left for her timeless journey. Amrita and I knew of her not keeping well but did not expect this news to come so soon. After I heard about her departure, my hands would not write; it was too depressing. It was our privilege to have known Satinder since we first met her as a young bride in Chicago in 1962, if my memory is correct. Her love and hospitality are not something one can forget easily. She was so loving and giving that her loss will be felt by many for a long time to come. Amrita and I hope that time will temper the sudden shock, and leave us only with her many cherished memories.

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Satinder Kaur Kapany"









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