À LA DOUCE MÉMOIRE DE Nasreine Canaran

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nasreine Canaran (née Fehmi Ali), who left this world peacefully on February 16, 2026, at her home in Orléans, Ontario, surrounded by the family she so deeply cherished.

Nasreine was predeceased by her beloved husband and the great love of her life, Hemant Reguel Canaran, whose passing came just five months before hers, as well as by her cherished parents, Fehmi Ali and Dorothy Fehmi Ali (née Clarke).

Nasreine leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughters, Priya Canaran-Claes (Herman Claes) and Robina Canaran (Gary Reid), her treasured grandsons—Kiefer, Niels, Philippe, and Lukas—her sister, Shaheen Ansari, her nieces Zeenath Ansari Selvakumar and Nausheen Ansari, and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Born on September 2, 1936, in Hyderabad, India, Nasreine was a woman of intelligence, courage, and determination. At a time when few women were encouraged to look beyond traditional paths, she pursued higher education with resolve, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Badruka College and a diploma in journalism from Osmania University, where she graduated first in class and was awarded the gold medal—an early reflection of the excellence that would define her life.

It was during her studies that Nasreine met Hemant, marking the beginning of a love story that would span more than seven decades and a marriage of nearly sixty-five years. After completing her education, Nasreine moved to Mumbai, where she and Hemant both interned with J. Walter Thompson, then the world’s largest advertising agency. Nasreine went on to begin her career as a copywriter with Everest Advertising, while Hemant established his own professional path in communications. Together, they began shaping the life they would share, one built on partnership and shared ambition.

They married in December 1960 and went on to welcome their daughters, Priya and Robina. In 1970, with courage and hopeful hearts, they crossed oceans to build a new life in St. Thomas, Ontario—laying down roots defined by perseverance, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family.

Nasreine dedicated twenty-five years to Municipal World, a respected publication covering local government, where she distinguished herself reporting on municipal politics and concluded her career as Managing Editor and Advertising Manager.

Beyond her professional achievements, she was deeply committed to community service, serving as President and later Governor of the former Quota Club, an organization devoted to supporting women, children, seniors, and the hard of hearing.

Retirement brought new adventures. Nasreine and Hemant settled in Orléans, continuing to embrace life fully, travelling widely, cultivating lifelong friendships, and spending many joyful winters in Ajijic, Mexico.

Of all her life’s accomplishments, Nasreine’s greatest pride was her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, steadfast daughter, faithful sister, and loyal friend. She loved fiercely, deeply, and without conditions. Her kindness, generosity, sharp wit, and playful sense of humour will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Though our hearts are broken with her passing, we are deeply grateful for the life she lived and the love she gave so freely. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved Hemant, and that her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Rest now, our sweet angel. You are loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and forever held in our hearts — until we meet again.