Contributions to the tribute of Mrs. Rita Williams

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Roger McIntosh lit a candle

Friday, December 25, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the family.. Roger.

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Michael Britto lit a candle

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Dear Shelly & Darren, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May her soul rest in peace. Michael & Rohini Britto.

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Darin Hall uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 24, 2020

From Darin Hall

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Janelle Archondo posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Memories of Nenen and Bent Street permeate my childhood. She was the embodiment of goodness and kindness. I observed how she touched those closest to me and how both Mommy and Daddy held her in high esteem. When Daddy returned from long trips to the interior of Guyana, he had a tradition of visiting Granny and Nenen and bring them each a small token usually a bottle of coffee. I think Nenen in many ways was another Mother to all of us. She was free of judgment, full of support and just want the doctor ordered when I was sick. I remember her talents extended to the kitchen and the aromas of Blitz Tart Cake - still my favorite and guavas boiling in a big pot to become jelly greeting me at the back door when I would pop by after school. Melissa, Adrian and I would spend hours in the yard playing to glance up and see Nenen’s smiling down on us. In fact, I learned to ride a bike in the yard and property bruised both knees in the process. I recall not feeling too concerned because I knew she would get me all bandaged up. In addition to being our Nenen, she had an understated elegance in everything she did. I recall old year’s night parties with imaginative hors d’oeuvres that would inspire many gatherings I would host as an adult. Looking back I don’t know how she made it all look effortless while looking beautiful and calm throughout the night. I will miss her dearly and will forever cherish the memories. I wish Graydon and Dia would have been able to create their own memories with her. I am confident that she is at peace now as she was in life. Love Janelle, Gilson, Graydon and Dia

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Darren posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

TRIBUTES FOR RITA WILLIAMS Lianne My grandmother, Rita Williams, was the kindest, most loving, humble, compassionate, forgiving, nurturing, hardworking, dedicated and wise woman. She took me to church every week and showed me what it meant to have a foundation in faith. When I was studying and up at 3am, she would get up and make a cup of Milo (hot chocolate). A woman of few words, but lots of action - many, many acts of love. She would give her last dime to anyone in need. She had great self-control, never raised her voice and showed me steadfast love and faith. She preached without using words. She treated many wounds and brought many back to health, without a doctorate. Her baking and cooking were the best. (Still is in my book.) Her example of strength, faith, dedication, unconditional love, peace, self-control and generosity is unlike any other. Without a spotlight, she showed grace and love in everything. Yet, she never wanted any credit. This is the legacy of an amazing daughter of God and I am privileged to call her my grandmother, my mother. Rest in peace, Gran. You are an angel in heaven now. Harriet My Nenen blessed my life for 69 years through all my ups and downs, her words to me were "Harriet don't give up have faith". In February, I was blessed to spend 4 weeks with her. Some days, she overslept and I would ask "Nenen, like you went to dance last night?" and the few mornings that I woke up late, it was her turn to ask "Who went to dance last night?", and she cracked a smile while drinking her coffee and eating butter and bread. The bonds we had was passed on from generation to generation. Nenen, you helped to shape the woman I have become. Went to school from you, got married, went into labour and whenever I needed an anchor from the storm, you were always there. The memories will always be cherished and shared, especially our trips to casino. Remember, when you used to make Theresa and me the same dresses from the same cloth, and as we got older, we rebelled against the idea. You never send word against it and the styles were made to suit us. Today, you would have been proud of me, I got your precious Lissa to eat and do her errands before I broke the news. It was hard hold back the tears, but I did not want to break her heart. Francis Joaquin Rita Williams, our Nenen, Aunt, Mummy, Granny, has now passed to the great beyond. Nenen was indeed a remarkable individual. We lived with her and shared the same accommodation for many years, especially while attending High School and University. We lived together at Parika, Vreed-en-hoop and 38, Bent Street, Georgetown. I could remember as many as sixteen persons living together at the Georgetown location. Uncle Vibert and Nenen played a vital role in our formal education and development. I do not know how my aunt was able to cope with the many challenges she faced in providing for our everyday needs. I cannot remember her raising her voice at any time. We looked forward to weekends, especially Saturdays, with black pudding, souse, cookies and fresh bread. Nothing tasted better than hot bread with butter and cheese. Nenen was also an avid reader: Woman and Home and novels. She enjoyed listening to the radio (soaps), Tides of Susanburg and other local productions. Church going on Sundays was a must. Theresa "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." JAMES1:12 Nenen - a rare member in our family and our "other" mother - always humble, caring, loving, never a harsh word. You devoted many years of your life to ensure that we all were well taken care of - whether it was that large tub and later washing machine to wash our clothes, "starching" them the next day, and spending the most part of the following day ironing school uniforms for at least 9 of us as well as Uncle Vibert's work clothes - you never complained, but dutifully and lovingly did your utmost for us. Let us not forget your quiet demeanor in encouraging us to attend church and bringing us close to the Lord every week. For this, we are forever grateful and now that your earthly work has finished, you will rise in glory to be with your Maker. Each one of us, in our special way, was able to show you the gratitude and we thank God for the 86 years that He gave you. Thanks for helping to shape us into the persons we have become. May you now rest in peace from your labour. Love is eternal. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 What fitting words for such a wonderful person – a pillar of faith! My earliest recollection of our dearly beloved Nenen was in my formative years (about 5) when she and Uncle Vibert took trips to Georgetown to visit relatives in Regent Street. I do not know the details, but I remembered being such a happy child travelling in first class on the train with them (Uncle Vibert worked for Transport & Harbours Dept. during that time and first class travel was one of the perks that came with the job) and looked forward with great excitement to seeing Maude when we arrived in Regent Street. It seemed like everywhere Nenen turned, I was by her side. Nenen demonstrated her love in several ways and was there for me at so many stages of my life - during the years when I was being “moulded”, waking up early in the morning to prepare lunch for us to take to high school – hot rice in the thermos and stew/curry in a container. She also taught me to sew, sewed my wedding dress, baked and helped to ice and decorate our wedding cake, sent dresses that she had sewn for Melina and Alicia when we lived in Antigua, and being present on many family occasions, just to list a few. Nenen “visited” us in that burst of energy at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, December 22 when the water that was boiling on the stove suddenly erupted and became a waterspout which enveloped our stove top and the floor as if to say “I have just been released from my earthly life and am soaring on wings like eagles”. As we give thanks for Nenen’s life, I fondly remember her as a person who exemplified what character means. May her memories be a blessing to everyone. Lovingly remembered. Gary What Nenen means to this generation: As the oldest cousin I can say that I spent most of my childhood in her care. She had that calming non-judgemental persona that can soothe the harshest of personalities. 38 Bent Street to me was my second home. If there were any issues, no matter how small, Nenen had to know. That love for her family transcended many generations, even down to my children who loved spending time with her, whether it was in Guyana when she came (at least once per year) or when they visited Canada. Melissa Your unconditional love is unmeasurable, as memories of your caring and understanding nature warm our hearts. Nenen, you are our fighter, our rock ... the cord that binds us together forever. We are grateful to be blessed by you now and forever. Those words we expressed in card of roses a month ago. "Harriet, Lissa I love you." were the words your angelic voice said to us yesterday. We blew you kisses as expressed our love, while hold back our tears knowing it was going to be the last time. Who is going to hold me when I need a shelter from the storm? No matter what you never judge me, "Lissa at times you have to ignore don't allow people to get to you." Nenen, that is the best advice you ever gave me and today I live by those words. I never hear Nenen call me Melissa... unless she is angry or wanted to get my attention... and I better listen. Everybody knows how Nenen spoilt me... peppeport for Caribana, making sure Auntie Shelly bought my favorite Chinese food, icing was scraped of all forms of almond paste just for me, fruits are peeled and sliced and my back was scratched until I fell asleep. No matter the time I came home, Nenen was up and waiting. 2018 Caribana, "is come let me see what you wearing" and next morning "Lissa you came in at 4 am", "Nenen, why you up at that hour?" Her response always was that I was waiting up for you to come in. Nenen your memories are treasured by Jonathan and Daniel. Always ensuring that Jonathan got his Peak Freans Biscuits, made him breakfast, Canadian bacon and mouth, and when he doesn't surface from the basement was "Jonathan what are you doing in the dark?" In the words of Daniel, "Nenen was one of my favorite reasons to come to Canada. I loved when she would make us breakfast to start the day right. She always had a warm presence that no one could forget and I'm going to miss her." Nenen,. you have become the wind beneath our wings... a true hero to all. Your memories will always live on forever and your unconditional love will be passed on to generations to come. We love you always and forever Clayton I saw Nenen when she was in Guyana this year when I received her and Gregory at the airport. I had the pleasure of being around Nenen and Uncle Vibert and I would like to remember her alive as I have done the same with Uncle Vibert. May her soul rest in peace. Melina When I think of Nenen, I think of strength in family. She is a quiet matriarch, exuding an affable loving demeanor. The stories of her and all the kids crowding in the Bent Street house humbles me and my struggle with Ananya and Kaiya. My patience comes from her and, in that sense, I will always carry her with me. She leaves an indelible legacy on three generations of our family. Until her last days, Nenen was always the first to welcome with warm embrace and a magnetic smile. She was easy to talk to because she was a good listener. As she goes to join the other matriarchs, she leaves us with fond memories and a strong sense of family. Gigi Nenen will forever be in our hearts and is now dancing and laughing with our other angels in heaven. Lianne, thank you for organizing prayers and zoom calls to allow us to give Nenen her roses while she was still with us. May she rest in peace ❤️ Nenen has been a constant presence in my life for as long as I can remember. When I visited Guyana as a child, I looked forward to visiting the Bent Street house and seeing Nenen. Even though she was always moving around and busy taking care of the house, she would stop to listen to me and never seemed to mind when I talked to her. She took time out of her day without hesitation, which made me feel special. I always felt loved and cared for when Nenen was around. She was there for me as I grew from a child into an adult, there for special occasions, and always there with a kind word and gentle advice. I was blessed to have Nenen stay with me for a month in 2012, when she flew from Toronto to Minneapolis to help me after having my second baby. In true Nenen fashion, she did not just care for my baby while I went to work; she took care of me, my husband, and my toddler too. She surrounded our young family with unconditional love. She gave me advice and wisdom on raising children and told me stories of the “good old days” of her childhood. She laughed as she told stories from my mother’s childhood and I kept her awake many nights listening to those special memories and soaking up her wisdom. I will never forget that time she spent with us. Nenen was loved and cherished by so many and she will be deeply missed. Everything Nenen did was done with love, patience, and grace. She was the perfect example of how to live with unwavering faith, never ending love, and steadfast devotion. I know she will be watching and guiding us from above, just as she did when she was here with us. She will forever live in our hearts. Love. Janelle Memories of Nenen and Bent Street permeate my childhood. She was the embodiment of goodness and kindness. I observed how she touched those closest to me and how both Mommy and Daddy held her in high esteem. When Daddy returned from long trips to the interior of Guyana, he had a tradition of visiting Granny and Nenen to bring them each a small token usually a bottle of coffee. I think Nenen in many ways was another mother to all of us. She was free of judgment, full of support and just what the doctor ordered when I was sick. I remember her talents extended to the kitchen and the aromas of Blitz Torte Cake - still my favorite and guavas boiling in a big pot to become jelly, greeting me at the back door when I would pop by after school. Melissa, Adrian and I would spend hours in the yard playing to glance up and see Nenen smiling down on us. In fact, I learned to ride a bike in the yard and properly bruised both knees in the process. I recall not feeling too concerned because I knew she would get me all bandaged up. In addition to being our Nenen, she had an understated elegance in everything she did. I recall Old Year’s Night parties with imaginative hors d’oeuvres, that would inspire many gatherings I would host as an adult. Looking back, I do not know how she made it all look effortless, while looking beautiful and calm throughout the night. I will miss her dearly and will forever cherish the memories. I am confident that she is at peace now as she was in life. Love Romona and Samuel So sorry to hear but we know she is with her Maker and in peace from all the surgeries and hospital visits. One gem of a woman! Blessings to you the Williams family and everyone else who took great care of Auntie Rita. What a year! Our heart-felt condolences. Love. Jennifer My dear Cousin Rita, you will be dearly missed. You have been a wonderful cousin to myself and my brothers. We loved you so much and I will surely miss cutting your hair. You are now without pain and are resting with your Lord. You will never be forgotten. Our condolences to the entire family for your loss. RIP.

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Darren posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Lianne My grandmother, Rita Williams, was the kindest, most loving, humble, compassionate, forgiving, nurturing, hardworking, dedicated and wise woman. She took me to church every week and showed me what it meant to have a foundation in faith. When I was studying and up at 3am, she would get up and make a cup of Milo (hot chocolate). A woman of few words, but lots of action - many, many acts of love. She would give her last dime to anyone in need. She had great self-control, never raised her voice and showed me steadfast love and faith. She preached without using words. She treated many wounds and brought many back to health, without a doctorate. Her baking and cooking were the best. (Still is in my book.) Her example of strength, faith, dedication, unconditional love, peace, self-control and generosity is unlike any other. Without a spotlight, she showed grace and love in everything. Yet, she never wanted any credit. This is the legacy of an amazing daughter of God and I am privileged to call her my grandmother, my mother. Rest in peace, Gran. You are an angel in heaven now.

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Lianne posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Rita Williams was kind, loving, caring, thoughtful and compassionate beyond compare. She had little to say but her loving actions spoke loudly. She will be greatly missed. Love always and forever.

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Darren lit a candle

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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The family of Mrs. Rita Williams uploaded a photo

Wednesday, December 23, 2020