Amarjit Chhoker ‘taught everyone how to be brave’
Amarjit Chhoker, 71, was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Brampton July 17. A Brampton teen has been charged.
Her nurturing and caring nature was so impactful that she earned the nickname “Biji,” a Punjabi reference meaning “mother,” from her entire family, including cousins, nieces and nephews.
It was this genuine love that has made it difficult for the Chhoker family to cope with the death of the 71-year-old Mississauga woman, who was fatally struck by a car moments after leaving a wedding reception in Brampton Sunday night.
“They’re all in shock, we’re all in shock,” said the woman’s son, Baljinder. “She was a mother to all. She taught everyone how to be brave.”
Chhoker’s obituary reads: “She was not only a mother to us but to all of our cousins, nieces and nephews. She was an engaging conversationalist who enjoyed socializing and sharing her infinite wealth of knowledge with everyone. Biji will be deeply missed by all of her family and countless number of friends young and old in Canada, UK, India and beyond.”
Peel Regional Police have charged a 17-year-old Brampton male, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with failing to remain at the scene of a death.
Police said the victim left Chandni banquet hall with her family when she was struck by a southbound car while trying to cross Chrysler Drive, south of Corporation Drive.
Baljinder said the family had attended a wedding reception prior to the fatal crash.
Police received reports from witnesses at about 10:50 p.m., some of whom appear to have tried to chase down the vehicle that fled the scene.
Chhoker, whose husband died in 1999, came to Canada from India in 1975 and worked several jobs as a seamstress “to set up a life here for her family, not just (her kids), but all of her (extended) family.”
Baljinder said the family’s Mississauga home has been flooded with mourners coming to pay their condolences.
“She meant so much to so many people,” he said.
Visitation for Chhoker was held on Friday and Saturday at Brampton Crematorium & Visitation Centre, 30 Brawn Ct. The funeral was on Sunday (July 24) at 11 a.m. at the same centre.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3710.
-with files from Jason Spencer
Source: The Mississauga News