Waheguru ji mehar kare.
Obituary
In loving memory of Sardarni Surjit Kaur Dhingra ji, 88, a kind, generous, and deeply loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who passed away very peacefully on 8th January 2026.
She was an incredibly resilient lady overcoming a rare cancer in 2010 and later lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last 15 years, meeting its challenges with quiet strength, dignity, and grace.
Surjit ji was born 13th June 1937 in Gojra, Punjab (now in Pakistan) to Sardar Sant Singh Arora and Sardarni Chetan Bai. She was the youngest of six siblings – three brothers and two sisters – with whom she shared deep bonds of love and loyalty throughout her life. Despite living in different parts of the world, the siblings always remained close. All have now completed their earthly journey and rest at Waheguru ji’s charan. She was especially close to her parents who lived full lives and passed away later in her life.
In 1947, at around ten years of age, Surjit ji and her family survived the upheaval and trauma of the Partition of India. While they were among the fortunate, the experiences of that time left lasting impressions. The family initially settled in Jalandhar, later moving to Delhi, where new roots were established.
On 25th February 1958, Surjit ji married Sardar Tarlochan Singh Dhingra in Delhi. Together they built a loving and close-knit family and were blessed with four children. Their three sons - Inderpreet (Rocky), Harpreet (Shikra), and Kulbir (Simran) - were born in Jalandhar, followed by the birth of their daughter, Janakdeep (Sylvia), in London.
Surjit ji was a bright and capable individual who trained as a school teacher in Jalandhar, a role she loved deeply. She always had a special affection for children and a natural ability to nurture, guide, and encourage them - qualities that remained with her throughout her life.
In June 1966, Tarlochan ji migrated to the UK, joined in August 1967 by Surjit ji and her three young sons, the youngest just 1 year old. Soon after arriving in the UK, Surjit ji secured a role with the Gas Board in the accounts department, where she worked for many years, juggling the demands of family life and living in a new country with no other family support. They lived in East London, initially in shared accommodation with friends who became their new family - and it is from this time that they built a beautiful and strong foundation of friendships spanning over 50 years, many of which still surround us today.
In the early 1980s, Surjit ji and Tarlochan ji made the brave decision to go into business together, working side by side until their retirement in February 2000. Their dedication to building a happy, secure and loving life for their family was at the heart of everything they did. Hard work, perseverance, mutual respect, and unwavering support for one another truly defined their partnership.
Surjit ji was the rock of her family - a constant source of strength, stability, and reassurance. With an exceptional work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility, she always prioritised her family and friends. She was very organised, maintaining an orderly and neat home (and knew instantly when anyone moved a single item in her kitchen!), yet their home was filled with an abundance of love and warmth that everyone felt as soon as they entered.
She and Tarlochan ji loved socialising and regularly hosted gatherings filled with much warmth and plenty of laughter. A graceful and generous host, Surjit ji greeted everyone with a hearty smile and snacks at the ready! She was an outstanding cook, preparing incredible feasts for all occasions - whether for family events, picnics or friends just casually dropping in - nothing was too much trouble. Her sense of Sewa (selfless service) was very strong and she was always among the first to help where needed, giving wholeheartedly and without hesitation.
She lived by the values of service, generosity, friendship, and always putting others first.
She travelled to India whenever possible to visit her mother and siblings, maintaining the special bonds she cherished. She also travelled across Europe, parts of Asia, and made several trips to Australia, where her son Harpreet had settled, ensuring she stayed closely connected with all her children. Her grandchildren held not only great love for her but also deep respect for the values she lived by and quietly passed on to them.
Surjit ji celebrated 62 years of marriage with her husband before his passing in January 2021. This was a devastating loss for Surjit ji and all the family - she was Tarlochan ji’s shining beacon of light and he was her pillar of strength. Yet after his passing she continued to lead us, not with words, but simply with unconditional love, trust and silent acceptance letting us know everything would always be ok.
Surjit ji was quietly religious and could often be heard reciting Japji Sahib Paath in the early mornings. She held unwavering faith in Waheguru ji, accepting His Hukam with grace and humility. This faith guided her throughout her life and remained a source of strength, comfort, and peace. She instilled these spiritual values in her children with love.
She is survived by her 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Surjit ji will always be remembered for her strength, humility, generosity, and boundless love. She enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her values will continue to live on through her family and friends.
Waheguru ji mehar kare.
Kirtan & Antim Ardaas - Ealing Gurdwara
Cremation Service St Marylebone Chapel
Videos
Memory wall
Though we began as strangers, you opened your heart and home to us, embracing us with warmth, love, and kindness. You stood by us through every milestone when we were new to this country, when we bought our first car, when we welcomed our first child, and when we purchased our first home. You were always besides us.
It was your presence that inspired us to settle in Newbury Park, knowing that your love and blessings would always be close by. Even now, we often take detour, pass by your home, and each time, our heart fills up remembering all the good memories of you and Uncle Ji.
You will forever remain in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything you did for us. We find comfort in believing that you are reunited with Uncle Ji and are at peace in heaven.
I have very fond memories of Aunty Ji, Uncle Ji and the whole family in fact. The times we all spent together growing up were very special. The bond and friendship of our parents was really lovely. I know this friendship bought my parents a lot of joy. We were like family. I pray for the whole family to have the strength to get through this very sad time.
Sending you all lots of love
Nimmi 🙏❤️ (Sadana family)
- Rosy & Gajinder Monga
Amarjit Singh Dhingra & Family (India)
Lovely, Kiran & Family
Leicester, UK
I've had so many opportunities, so many privileges in my life that are ultimately down to the sacrifices that Dadima and my other grandparents made when they came to the UK. When I remember the last time I saw her— surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren—I didn't have to look far for a legacy. I feel so lucky not only to have had Dadima in my life, but also to have lived a life made possible only by such an extraordinary person. She will be so missed by the so many lucky enough to have had her beautiful spark of love, joy, generosity, and laughter in their lives.
helped by her Bhua Beji as she was known. Met her there in1966. Again first to settle abroad with her husband she was sent with great fanfare .On my first visit to London in 1989 spent amazing time with gracious couple talking and looking at family Photographs up to quite late at night. There after during my so many academic visits to Canada I made it a point to break at London some times with kawal Every time went around in and around London. Once as proud parents of Inderpreet took me to his Cambridge University .Dear Tarlochan Jeeja ji(as we called him) fond of watching family videos and albums and great socialite introduced mee to some of their close friends. Much more in memory. Will miss both. The way dear Inderpreet and Veena looked after their parents more so the mother in her difficult time is amazing. Pray for noble souls peace and good health and strength to my dear cousins Amarjit
Mrs Dhingra was an amazing lady who always treated me like her family member and I feel privileged to have known her.Was truly inspired with her strength,patience and positivity despite all her health challenges specially during last few years. She will forever be in my heart💕🙏
I will miss you so much. Your smile could light up any room, and your selfless love, always making sure we were fed, cared for, and happy, will stay with me forever.
Harkiran x
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Service
Drayton Bridge Road, W13 0JP
East End Road, Finchley, N2 0RZ
Drayton Bridge Road, W13 0JP
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KHALSA AID
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