Dr. Nirmal Kanal, 78, beloved physician, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Dr. Kanal graduated from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India where she focused on ophthalmology. Upon moving to the United States, she completed fellowship training at the University of Connecticut in pediatric ophthalmology, followed by a fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in glaucoma. She subsequently practiced in West Virginia and Northern Virginia before settling in Front Royal. She enjoyed surgery but was especially passionate about medical ophthalmology and the opportunity to treat generations of families during her career.
Dr. Kanal was a compassionate, funny, and intuitive physician, who devoted her life to helping and encouraging others. She practiced as an eye doctor in Front Royal for 40 years, before retiring in 2020. Many people from surrounding counties, including Page, Fauquier, Frederick, and the city of Winchester, would frequent her office. She was not only an excellent eye doctor but was a dear friend to many.
Outside of work, she was a loving wife and mother of two. She especially enjoyed game shows, reading, and listening to music. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many whose lives she touched.
Dr, Kanal was preceded in death by her husband, Suresh Kanal.
Surviving her are daughters, Pamela Kanal Black and Dr. Monica Kanal; brother Ram; sister, Bhag; and two grandchildren, Devin Black and Stormy Black.
Services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name, to a charity of one’s choice.
Rest in Peace Dr. Kanal and thanks for always having a beautiful smile and heart.
Annie & Bill Curtis
Dr Kanal was our dr for many years. She was a wonderful caring person !!
Belinda Laing
Dr. Kanal was our family eye doctor for many years. Her calm, compassionate care was the hallmark of her work. I was always touched by her sweet remembrances of our son as a young child after his death at 25. She had an understated sense of humor as well. I highly admired her and was so sad when she retired. There has not been anyone that could replace this remarkable woman. Our deepest condolences to her family who she obviously adored.
she was the best eye doctor ever, I had her from the time I first got glass at 16 (I’m now 41) to the time she retired and then I had the pleasure of taking care of her. I’m at a loss for words! prayers going to for her family!
Prayers to Dr. Kanal’s family and friends. Dr. Kanal was a wonderful doctor and friend. I have missed her services for a long time. Truly a wonderful lady.
I’m so grateful I had the chance to know Dr. Kanal. She remains the most knowledgeable and compassionate physician from whom I’ve been lucky enough to receive treatment. I’m also grateful that my wife and my children were able to get to know her and benefit from her expertise. She is now, and will be forever missed.
The world is a lesser place without her.
I was honored to work with Dr. Kanal as her nurse anesthetist.I loved her expertise on pediatric cases and all surgery. I also became blessed with her friendship and loving kindness to all around her .She treated each patient as if they were her own . She saved my eye sight over the years from serious conditions .She taught me how to smile and love every day.My Deepest Sympathy to all of her much beloved family.It was a grace to have known her.She is remembered. Love, Elizabeth Annie Byrd
Very sweet lady.
A great doctor and friend .
Dr. Kanal took care of our family of five. There were three times after we moved to Gore, west of Winchester, that we had emergency eye issues. She always told us to call her first and not go to the emergency room because there were no emergency eye doctors there. She would tell us to immediately come to her office and then she took care of the problem. She was always thorough and we knew we were in good hands with Dr. Kanal. She cared about each and every patient and took the time that was needed for everyone. Thank you Dr. Kanal for your friendship and for being the best eye doctor. You will be missed.