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Anudeep Kaur, a business student at Humber Polytechnic North campus, was among five family members killed in a Brampton house fire on Nov.20, 2026.
One year after the tragedy, her family, friends and members of the Humber community continue to remember her for the relationships she built, her enthusiasm and the impact she had on those around her.
For her sister, Anoop, the past year has been the most difficult of her life.
“Losing my sister is a pain that is impossible to put into words. She wasn’t just my sister; she was also my best friend,” she said. “Her absence has left a space in my life that can never be filled.”
Anop described Kaur and someone whose presence brought happiness to those around her.
“She was so beautiful, both inside and out. She always had a smile on her face, and her smile could light up a room,” she said. “She brought so much happiness and love into our lives.”
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Like many sisters, the two occasionally argued over everyday matters. Anoop said those moments have since become some of the memories she misses most.
“Like most sisters, we used to fight and argue over little things. Sometimes we wouldn’t agree with each other, but no matter what happened, whenever I needed her, she was always there for me. She stood by my side through every situation,” she said. “Looking back now, I would give anything to have those little arguments and everyday moments with her again.”
Kaur also played an important role in encouraging her sister’s education and future ambitions, Anoop said.
“One thing I will always remember is how much she cared about my studies and my future. She was always worried about me and wanted me to achieve something good in life. She constantly encouraged me and wanted to see me successful and happy,” she said.
Anoop said she misses the guidance and everyday conversations she shared with her sister.
“Sometimes I didn’t realize how much those little conversations meant, but today I miss them more than words can explain,” she said. “I wish she were here to guide me, encourage me, and celebrate my achievements. I wish I could make her proud.”
The absence of Kaur continues to be felt in the family's everyday life, Anoop said.
“I miss her smile, her voice, our conversations, our little fights, and simply having her around,” she said. “ If I could ask for one thing, it would be to have one more conversation with her, one more hug, and one more chance to tell her how much I love her.”
Kaur’s impact extended beyond her family and into the Humber community, where she was involved with the Hawks Nation team.
Michael Kopinak, associate Director at Humber Polytechnic’s, Athletics and Recreation Department, said in an email statement to Humber ETC, that it continued to have a lasting influence on staff members.
“Our staff was devastated over the loss. Her impact was real. She cared, she always smiled and people loved her,” he said. “They gravitated towards her, they wanted to be around her.”
Humber ETC has reached out to the Ontario Fire Marshall's office and has yet to recieve a repsonse.
Kopinak said colleagues became concerned when Kaur failed to show up for work, prompting fears that something had happened.
“When the news spread of the devastating fire they were mortified - shaken to the very core,” he said.
He said the loss had a deep effect on the department’s staff and that Kaur’s contribution remained part of the team’s memory.
Arshveer Singh, Kaur's cousin, who lived with her, said their relationship was closer to that of sisters.
“She was more like a younger sister to me, we grew up together and shared a very close bond,” she said.
Singh said Kaur’s confidence and outlook on life left an impression on her, despite Singh being older.
“Anu was such a confident, cheerful, and full-of-life person, she had so many dreams. She wanted to live life to the fullest, travel the world, and experience everything life had to offer,” she said. “She was very passionate about her studies and had so much she wanted to achieve.”
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Singh recalled Kaur’s playful personality and her ability to make others smile, even during difficult moments.
“She had this beautiful habit of smiling and making others smile,” she said. “Even in the most serious situations. That was just who she was. She brought so much happiness wherever she went.”
The loss has permanently changed the lives of Kaur’s family, Singh said, adding that the approach of the fire’s fire anniversary has made grief especially difficult.
“Her mom, dad, and sister Anoop miss her terribly every single day, we all do. And now, as we approach the first anniversary of the fire, everything feels even harder,” she said. “It’s difficult to accept that someone who had so many dreams and so much life ahead of her is no longer with us.”
Singh said the memories they made growing up remain especially important to her.
“There are so many memories of growing up together that I will carry with me forever,” she said. “I wish we had more time together, more conversations, more laughter, and more memories to make.”
“Anu will always have a special place in our hearts. We will love her, remember her, and miss her each and every day for the rest of our lives,” Singh said.
Humber ETC reached out to Matvii Bezuhlyi, Kaur's former manager, for comment. At his request, his statement was paraphrased.
In a social media post, Bezuhlyi remembered Anu as a kind, hardworking, and positive presence who made a lasting impact on the department.
He shared how much she valued being part of Hawks Nation and recalled her excitement about returning the following semester to continue working with the team.
“Anu was a great person and someone who contributed greatly to the energy and enthusiasm of our Humber Hawks varsity teams,” he said. “She will be missed but not forgotten.”
“No matter how much time passes, she will always be my little sister, my best friend, and a part of my heart,” Anoop said. “I hope people remember her not just for the tragedy that took her away, but for the beautiful person she was, her kindness, her smile, and the happiness she brought into people’s lives.”
