Kamaldeep Kaur Johl

1974 - 2024

Kamaldeep Kaur Johl, lovingly known as Kamal, or "Princess" to her mom, passed away on October 1, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 24, 1974, in Yuba City, CA.

While living in Sacramento, CA, she remained connected to her hometown, often spending time with family and friends in Yuba City, CA.

A devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin, Kamal was cherished by her family. She always showed up for every life event and milestone to support and cheer for her cousins, whether in Yuba City, the Bay Area, Fresno, CA, or Canada.

Her friends describe her as a dedicated friend with a big heart, who took the time to remain involved in their lives, even while battling cancer. Kamal never hesitated to ask about their work and children, or to offer thoughtful advice and support.

Kamal was very empathetic and kind. She would often spend her birthdays, which sometimes fell on Thanksgiving, preparing sandwiches and meal packages for homeless shelters. Her kindness extended to everyone she met-family members remember how Kamal would reach out and make them feel included, inviting them to join her for activities or a fun outing.

Professionally, Kamal dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to helping students as a school guidance counselor. She earned a master's degree in Counseling, Leadership, and Policy Studies, and obtained a School Administrator Credential. Kamal was known for helping students through difficult times.

Even after they had graduated, many students would reach out to thank her for the positive impact she had on their lives. In her most recent role, she worked at the District Office, supporting counselors across the district with the same dedication she had always shown her students.

Kamal had many hobbies and passions. She loved volunteering with the Junior League, spending time outdoors, playing golf, hiking, and exploring nature. She enjoyed traveling and discovering new places. Kamal was health-conscious, and enjoyed cooking, meditation, and reading.

She loved discovering cute cafes, indulging in desserts, and savoring tea. Her playful and goofy personality brought joy to those around her, and she was always laughing and enjoying life's little moments. Her love for rom-coms and movies reflected her lighthearted nature.

Kamal was ambitious, with aspirations to explore her creative interests, including writing and painting. A true artist at heart, she volunteered with Creators of Yuba Sutter, an organization dedicated to promoting art in the community, and she finished writing a screenplay even as she battled cancer.

Her vibrant spirit found expression in her paintings, which often drew inspiration from the beauty of nature and now adorn the walls of her Sacramento, CA, home. Kamal's passion for creativity extended beyond her personal projects-she was featured in a commercial print campaign, and dabbled in acting and modeling, and enjoyed her collaboration with a makeup brand, always open to trying new things and embracing life to the fullest.

Kamal was battling Stage IV colon cancer, but handled her diagnosis and journey with immense strength and grace, always keeping a smile on her face and making jokes even in the most painful circumstances. She was very spiritual and had a close relationship with and faith in God.

Kamal's legacy of love, creativity, and compassion, will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her memory serve as a reminder to find time in our lives to be creative in the hobbies that bring us peace and to live life with kindness, laughter, and a generous heart.

Kamal is survived by her beloved mother, Jasminder Johl; her brothers, Baldeep Johl and Gurmeet Johl; and her sister, Jasbir Johl.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sardar Gurbaksh Johl; and her grandparents, Sardar Khazan Singh Johl, Sardarni Sham Kaur Johl, Sardar Bhag Singh Maan, and Sardarni Balwant Kaur Maan.

She will be deeply missed by the entire Johl and Maan families, as well as by the countless friends and students whose lives she touched.

A funeral and prayer service for Kamal will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 11 AM, at Ullrey Memorial Chapel in Yuba City, CA. Bhog services and langar will follow at the Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on Bogue Road in Yuba City, CA.