Stories of Our Wise: Zerakhanu Shivji

At 100-years young, Zerakhanu Karsan Shivji has lived a memorable life. Described as an avid, go-getter in her younger years, she now spends time at home with her family. She enjoys socializing and cooking her "world famous" samosas, and she’s quick to notice if any of the ingredients are missed or not in accurate proportions! 

She is known to be a little sassy and very classy, and is easily identified by her bold red lips and her dark black amburo (hair bun).

Zerakhanu Count Zaver Karsan was born in Tanzania, moved to Kenya, and later to Canada in 1977. When asked for life advice, she is quick to dole out nuggets of wisdom. Her favorite is: "Life is big, but time is short."  

Over the years she has travelled the world, making sure to purchase a small trinket from each country. Zerakhanu’s love for travel started at a young age. Her family owned an import/export business, so at age 9, she began travelling from Dar-es-Salaam to India via the “Kenya Steamer”. She recalls taking the month-long journey with her father to visit her grandfather in Gujarat.  

She’s been to Spain, Morocco, Pakistan, Mexico, Portugal, England, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Islands, the United States, and all over Africa. She fondly remembers her trip to India, Thailand and Singapore gifted by her children on her 50th wedding anniversary.

She now lives in Guelph, Ontario with her daughter Mumtaz. Her children and grandchildren visit often and bring her so much  energy, which keeps her looking and feeling young. 

She still has a passion for cooking and she feeds people who come to her home from various cultures and backgrounds.

Zerakhanu also enjoys embroidery and crocheting. She used to sew all of her children’s clothing, and more recently, she crocheted tasbih bags for Jamati members.

She often recounts stories about Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s Jubilee. The Jamat would congregate in open air tents called “shamaiana”.  She has kept mementos and volunteer badges from all of the Jubilees she’s attended over the years.

Her motto is: “Work hard, be nice to everyone you meet, and keep smiling at all times with a sense of humour.” 

When asked her secret to living 100 years, Zerakhanu says: “Take care of your family. Cook for them so they always have good food to eat. Make money and use it to help others. And always keep your family close, as this is what will keep you happy and give you a long life.”

Written By: Zaitoon Shivji and Anisa Daudji