December 11, 1942 - January 9, 2021
Vijaya was the fifth of six children born to Rev. Gopichand and Jeeva Khanna in Bhopal, India. She earned her BA and BEd degrees, and taught at a Catholic school for two years before accepting a teaching position in Prince Rupert, Canada. After that, she "moved South" and taught in Bella Coola for two years before settling down in Terrace in 1969.
Vijaya married Walter Hedberg in 1975. They raised two children, Sonja and Soren, together in a loving, family-oriented home. Vijaya continued teaching at Thornhill Elementary School until she retired in 2005 to spend her days with her first of two grandchildren, Amelia. Nyra arrived two years later and doubled her joy.
When both granddaughters were old enough to start school, Vijaya began volunteering at Thornhill Primary School. This eventually led to Vijaya going back to work as a Teacher-On-Call at both Thornhill schools. She truly loved children.
Vijaya was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She sewed many dresses for her granddaughters when they were young, and then taught them to sew with her as they grew. Vijaya filled her days quilting and playing Bridge with her friends, and enjoyed reconnecting with her former students via Facebook.
Vijaya waited 26 years to join Walter in Heaven. She leaves behind her son (Soren), her daughter (Sonja), her son-in-law (Patrick), her granddaughters (Amelia and Nyra), as well as a large extended network of family and friends.
There will be no service at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A memorial will be held once the restriction on large gatherings has been lifted.
In lieu of flowers, she requested that donations be made to a scholarship fund in her name, c/o the Northwest Education 88 Foundation, 3211 Kenney Street, Terrace, BC V8G 3E9. Donors should include their names and mailing addresses so that the tax receipts can be processed and mailed.