Chandini “Channy” Stave passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at home in Pickering, Ontario, at the age of 97. Born in Sri Lanka, she moved to Canada in 1973, making the long and arduous plane journey with three young children in tow.

Channy was the beloved wife of Herschel Stave for 66 years. She was a proud “Mama” to Ariadne, Sherman, and Arland, and an absolutely doting “Ammee” to Brock, Mackenzie, Jasmine, Taylor, Bennett, Jude, and Juno, and great-grandchildren Tyra, Niccele, Tristan, and Nalina. She is survived by her brother Chandra Fernando (Mildred). She was also a cherished mother-in-law to the late Bob Boyne, to Matthew, Meera, Kerry, Ann, and Michele. Channy was predeceased by her parents Vera and Dr. Edward Fernando, as well as her younger sisters Sita (Cooray) and Manel (Kariyawasam).

Fearless, formidable, feisty, and funny, Channy laughed easily and often. She had a big heart and the soul of an intrepid world traveler and avid reader. She was broadminded, generous, and always curious. Channy drew deep strength from her faith, which filled her with courage and calm. Her family and many dear friends were the extremely lucky beneficiaries of her brilliant cooking and baking skills.

The family home at Farmbrook was full of life, with many large gatherings and celebrations. Channy had a passion for gardening and, together with Herschel, spent countless hours tending to their garden, which was the envy of the neighborhood. Channy instinctively knew how to “do life,” transforming into a brilliant piano teacher and line and tap dancer extraordinaire in her 60s, well after her retirement from Mercantile and General Reinsurance Company, where she earned the prestigious F.L.M.I. designation. She even performed joyfully at Roy Thomson Hall in 2002, looking resplendent in glittery blue, an event forever memorialized in Herschel’s photographs and proud reminiscences. Channy’s mind remained sharp until the end, honed by her constant thoughts of her family’s well-being and her daily crossword puzzle.

The Stave family invites you to join them in honoring their amazing, irreplaceable Channy at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village, Ajax. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Saint Isaac Jogues Church, 1148 Finch Ave, Pickering, followed by a short reception at the church hall. The burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 2700 Kingston Road, Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to The Toronto Star’s Children’s Charities, education bursaries for Indigenous youth, or Water First.

The Stave family extends a heartfelt thank you to all the PSWs who supported them so kindly and selflessly in the past year: Denise, Shola, Cynthia, Diane, and Sharlene.

For online condolences and further information, please visit McEachnie Funeral Home.