MARCH 8, 1895 - June 18, 1987
She assumed the role of parent for her siblings when their mother Eldica Durrieu died at age 42. Their father George Stanford Martindale left Guyana for St. Lucia to look for work and never returned.
Auntie was a true pioneer. Born in Guyana when the country was known as British Guiana, she was one of the few women to become a head mistress of a school at a time when it was strictly a male domain. Auntie assisted her siblings and their families during very difficult times. Auntie never married or had biological children but she nurtured many of the children of her siblings. I had the privilege of being reared by Auntie for several years after our mother died.
Auntie's personality was complex. She was a heavy built woman. She could be tough when she needed to be. She accepted nothing short of perfection. She worked hard and expected only the best from her family. Auntie believed in a higher power and insisted on good moral behaviour in all her relatives. She attended church regularly and sang in the choir.
As a small child I remember Auntie insisting that one day a week should be dedicated to church. She made us go every Sunday. She honoured Sundays and insisted on keep that day as a quiet day of reflection for the household. There had to be no loud noise or music on that day. Dinner time was also a special time for the family to gather. We always gathered on that one special day for a special meal. Everyone was present at the table. Children were expected to do as they were told. Auntie had firm disciplinary standards that helped to shape her students and propel them to excellence.
Many of Auntie's students went on be become professionals in their field.
Auntie was loved and respected by her family and her community. She gave much of herself to the many children she raised. She instilled the importance of hard work and perseverance under very trying conditions.
Her life's work speak for itself. She will always be remembered by her family and her community.
