Obituary of Mrs. Philma Leola Assing

Philma Leola Assing, a remarkable soul, passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on December 13, 1930 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. In 1951, Philma married the love of her life, Horace Assing, and together they built a foundation of love and strength. In 1970, they made the courageous decision to move their entire family to Toronto, Canada, seeking new opportunities and embracing the promise of a better future.

Philma's unwavering love and care for her family defined her life. She was a pillar of strength and resilience, always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and challenge herself. Philma's thirst for knowledge and personal growth was insatiable. She constantly sought out new experiences and challenges, never shying away from learning something new. She took steelpan lessons, went to iPad classes, and always revelled in the opportunity to beat her family in a competitive game of cards. In her years following her retirement, she camped in the Australian Outback, climbed the Great Wall of China and explored the glaciers of Alaska. Her determination and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.

For 25 consecutive years, she dedicated her time and energy to volunteering at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament. Her hard work and unwavering dedication were recognized in 2023 when she was honored as the Best Volunteer, a testament to her incredible contributions. Philma's culinary skills were renowned, and she delighted her loved ones with the delicious Trini foods she prepared. Her puffs, pelau, and calaloo were not only meals but expressions of love and care that brought people together.

Philma is survived by her three daughters, Richalene, Cathy, and Lisa. She will be forever remembered and cherished by her grandchildren, Alexis, Shaun, Kelly, Kevin, Krista, and Brad, as well as her 11 great-grandchildren. Philma's love and guidance will continue to shape the lives of her family for generations to come.

Steelpan Queen...Philma Assing

Philma Assing was born in Bel- mont, Trinidad on December 13, 1930 and considers her- self a "true, true Trini". She and her husband participated fully in Carnival: "ole mas" competitions, carnival parties, j'ouvert, etc. Philma's husband, a true reveller, played 'mas annually while she and their three daughters stayed in and around Port of Spain in the midst of all the Carnival festivities.

In 1970, the family resettled in Toronto but never forgot their Caribbean roots. They made sure the Carnival fever infected every generation; now expanded to include six (6) grandchildren and (5) great grandchildren.

What made this 83 year-old grandmother sway to the rhythm of the steelpan? Well, May 16, 2010 was a red letter day. The family had gone to Ireland for the wedding of her granddaughter Kelly to Simon, an Irishman. Lo and behold, Kelly's parents, who had no musical background, surprised everyone by playing 'Molly Malone' on tenors with a steel orchestra from Trinidad. That was the turning point for Philma! She said: If they can do it, why can't I? With her two daughters, Cathy and Lisa, and some friends, she joined Tropicana's steelpan classes.

Philma, Tropicana's Steelpan Queen, reminisced, "Pan music has infused new life into my somewhat placid lifestyle. I play the guitar pans. No challenge is too great to overcome. With my fading eyesight, I enlarge the music scores so I can see the notes. If my regular "ride" is unavailable, I get someone to take me to classes. I listen to the music outside of classes so that I would be familiar with the tunes we are learning. I have access to email so that Andrew Jackson, the in- structor, and my friends would be bombarded with any questions I may have. I won't even miss a class. Pan, to me, is so fulfilling, so energizing. I love it! So if I can do it, anybody can!"

Tropicana celebrates its Steelpan Queen, great grand. mother, Philma Assing!
Play on, Philma. You truly are an inspiration!