Mohinder Kaur

Mohinder Kaur Kalkat - November 13, 1934 - November 28, 2025

For 91 years, Sardarni Mohinder Kaur was a beacon of dedication, wisdom, and tireless care for her family. She lived a life that reflected the preciousness of every moment.

On November 13, 1934, Mohinder Kaur was born the fourth daughter of seven siblings to the late Ujagur Singh and the late Pritam Kaur in her beloved childhood village Chipra in Hoshiarpur District, Punjab. In her youth, she loved learning and attended school enthusiastically.

In 1960, Mohinder Kaur wed the late Hari Singh in village Ganipur Badhan. Together, they raised four children: Inderjit Kaur, the late Charanjit Kaur, Harjit Singh, and Jangvir Singh. She took great pride in ensuring they were prepared to excel academically and rise to any opportunity life offered. A tough, strong, and principled woman, Mohinder held her children to high standards - but above all, she wanted them to be happy. Like many women of her time, she rose before dawn to prepare daily essentials for her family, approaching each task with fortitude. The Badhana home was a special place under her care; she would host friends and relatives from near and far for weddings and countless other celebrations, always making sure every detail was thoughtfully attended to.

Mohinder Kaur had a keen sense of curiosity about the world, especially with regard to Sikhi. She made pilgrimages to sacred sites like Harmandir Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, and many more. Later in life, she took Amrit (Sikh initiation), embracing Sikh values with steadfast dedication for decades.

In the fall of 1986, Mohinder Kaur and her husband migrated to America to join their children. Upon arrival, despite having unfamiliarity with the language and culture, she worked various jobs with long hours, never voicing a complaint; rather, always approaching each learning curve with a profound determination to be the best. Notably, her 6-year tenure at Meijer held a special place in her heart. Even when family insisted she slow down, she resisted the idea of retiring and finally agreed in 2002.

Mohinder Kaur played an integral role in raising her ten grandchildren, to whom she was lovingly known as Bibi. She brought joy and thoughtfulness to their days, often returning from long shifts with sweets and small treats.

Selflessly, she ensured that everyone around her - family and strangers alike - felt cared for, safe, and valued, always giving them "matt" (sense and good judgement). When circumstances in her childhood precluded her from continuing formal education, Mohinder Kaur sought learning across many disciplines throughout her life. Even at age 60, while encouraging her grandchildren to "mehnat naal parlo" (study hard), she taught herself to read and write basic English by being near them as they completed their homework, absorbing the lessons and structure of the language. Her interests spanned an extraordinary range - from world religions to American history - she never stopped learning.

Mohinder Kaur had a rare gift for mastering many trades, where most people would excel at only one. She could replicate a stranger's knitted sweater simply by observing it and often improve upon it with her own hands. An intellectual and devout woman, she was known for her evocative kavitaas (sonnets) about Sikh martyrs, reciting original poems at the Gurdwara that would silence the room, her words resonating long after she spoke. A gifted raconteur, she shared tales of Sikh history, moral allegories, insights from novels, and notes from the weekly newspaper - especially to her grandkids and relatives. With a discerning eye for beauty, she could sift through any crowd or moment and find the small, intricate things worth admiring. For decades, anyone lucky enough to taste her famous laddoos would be left with their mouths watering for more - and in the midst of savoring them, they couldn't help but admire the same meticulous care she devoted to her vegetable garden.

In recent years, Mohinder Kaur would say that her only complaint is that she doesn't have enough to do. She took diligent care of others' needs, safety, and hopes with kindness and great energy. Never letting opportunity lie waste, she realized the full potential of all that life bestowed upon her. Just as human birth is rare and precious, she made every moment of her life meaningful. Mohinder Kaur multiplied her blessings - sharing her joys with others, leaving a legacy that will guide her family for generations.