Devika Nandan Ackloo (née Persaud)
1938-2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Devika "Veka" Ackloo announces her passing after suffering a stroke, on May 29, 2021 at the age of 83.
Devika Nandan Persaud was born to Millicent and Motichand Persaud in Georgetown, Guyana on April 24, 1938. After starting a family in Guyana, she made a life-changing and brave decision by moving herself and her children to Antigua to be with her siblings and dear mother. She soon started her own business, opening a convenience store and offering occasional catering. Always striving for a better life, she again made a bold decision to immigrate to Toronto, Canada in 1984. She would spend the rest of her years building a successful life for herself and beloved children.
Always a dedicated and hard worker, Devika served as head cook at a busy vegetarian restaurant where she was able to support her new life in Canada. She eventually joined Estée Lauder Cosmetics before retiring in 1995.
Devika loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking delicious meals and baking countless treats. Anyone who visited her home always enjoyed a good meal. Considered to also be a talented seamstress, she supported friends and family by sewing various projects from communion dresses to wedding dresses.
Devika lived a simple life. She was dynamic, yet reserved. She will be remembered as a devoted, compassionate, generous and kind person. She was loving and committed to her six children whom she raised single-handedly while navigating life’s obstacles. Devika was most happy in the presence of her grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled at every chance.
Devika will be lovingly remembered by her six children, Michael (Adalgisa), Surojini (Gaetano), Chandra (Vlastimil), Robert, Andrew (Jennie), and Rishi. She will also be fondly remembered by her six grandchildren, Jennifer, Sofia, Kavi, Theron, Keiran and Ethan. She is survived by her four brothers Jai Persaud, Alvin (Betty Stropnicky) Persaud, Tom (Chandra) Persaud and Moti Persaud; and her nieces and nephews. Devika was predeceased by her sisters, Solouch and Monica.
She will be greatly missed and forever loved by her entire family and all her friends.