Surjit Kaur Sethi

19th May 1936 — 30th June 2026

In Loving Memory

“The light merges into the Light, and the journey is complete.”
— Sri Guru Granth Sahib

✿

Her Remarkable Story

A life of courage, creativity, compassion, and love — spanning continents and touching countless hearts.

A vintage street scene of Rawalpindi in undivided Punjab, around the 1940s

Rawalpindi, undivided Punjab — 1940s

19th May 1936

Born in Rawalpindi

Surjit Kaur was born in Rawalpindi, in the Punjab of undivided British India — a bustling garrison city that is now part of Pakistan. She entered a world on the cusp of enormous change.

Meanwhile in the world: Edward VIII abdicates the British throne, Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics, and the BBC launches the world’s first regular television service.

The Partition of India — 1947

1947

The Partition — Journey to Delhi

When the Partition of India tore the subcontinent in two, young Surjit and her family were forced to leave their home in what became Pakistan. They made the courageous journey to Delhi, carrying with them their dignity, their faith, and an unbreakable spirit.

Meanwhile in the world: India wins independence on 15th August 1947. The Partition displaces over 14 million people — one of the largest migrations in human history.

On the court — badminton in 1950s Delhi

1950s

District Badminton Champion

A fierce competitor and natural athlete, Surjit won a district badminton tournament — in an era when it was still unusual for women to compete, and many played in their sarees. It was a testament to her determination, grace, and quiet defiance.

Meanwhile in the world: India becomes a Republic in 1950. In 1953, Everest is summited for the first time and Queen Elizabeth II is crowned.

London — the Swinging Sixties

1960s

Adventure to the United Kingdom

With the same bravery that had carried her family through Partition, Surjit set sail for a new life in the United Kingdom — arriving into the colour and energy of Swinging Sixties Britain, ready to make her mark.

Meanwhile in the world: Beatlemania sweeps Britain, England wins the 1966 World Cup, and in 1969 humankind walks on the Moon.

The Beatles in tailored 1960s suits, representing the fashion of the Cecil Gee era

Sharp tailoring of the 1960s — the Cecil Gee era

1960s–70s

Tailor at Cecil Gee

Surjit brought her impeccable eye and craftsmanship to Cecil Gee, the celebrated London menswear house that dressed the icons of the age — from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles. A skilled tailor, trendy and passionate about fashion, she was a true artisan of her craft.

Cecil Gee brought sharp, Italian-inspired tailoring to London and helped define the Mod look — its famous visitors’ book was signed by stars from Frank Sinatra to Adam Faith.

1971 & 1973

A Mother — Ashveen & Raman

The proudest chapter of Surjit's life began with the arrival of her sons — Ashveen in 1971 and Raman in 1973. She poured her heart into raising them, filling their home with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her cooking.

1970s–80s

Midwife at Hammersmith Hospital

With the same gentle hands that once crafted fine garments, Surjit turned to caring for new life as a midwife at Hammersmith Hospital, helping bring countless babies safely into the world with warmth, skill, and compassion.

1996

Grandmother

In 1996, Surjit became a grandmother — a role she adored. She lavished her grandchild with love, stories, and the kind of wisdom only a life fully lived can give.

January 2026

Great-Grandmother

In January 2026, just months before her passing, Surjit became a great-grandmother. She absolutely adored her great-grandchild — holding, watching, and beaming with a pride and tenderness that lit up the room.

Always

A Devoted Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother

Above all, Surjit was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, and utterly adoring great-grandmother. Fiercely independent and blessed with an indomitable spirit, she was a woman of great character — spirited, strong-willed, and never one to let anything stand in her way. That same fire is what made her so remarkable. Her adventurous and sometime rebellious spirit made an impact on every life she touched. That spirit and fire will always be remembered by the Kohli and Sethi family.