Remembering Loved Ones
Edna Moore - The funeral
Edna, the fifth child of Aunt Lily, lost her battle with illness and died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday, May 2nd, 2005, age 72, a few weeks before her seventy-third birthday. Funeral services were held at St. Catherine's church on Saturday, May 14th at 3 PM, and what a funeral!! As was expected it was well attended, which was a testament that Edna was well loved, respected and held in high regards. The Masons were out in impressive numbers and it sure made my heart feel glad. All surviving aunts and uncle (Aunt Glen, Aunt Mirry, my mother, Edith and Uncle Joseph) were present, with the exception of Louise (New York). Her siblings, Elrita, Alston and Pearl and their offspring (some fine young people) were all there. I had hoped to see Erma, but unfortunately, she was unable to make the trip. There were also siblings from her father's side present. I cannot begin to guess at the number of people who attended. I suspect several hundreds. Several family members flew in from various parts of the world. Nieces Faye and Junie flew in from New York and London, respectively, nephew Wayne came from Atlanta, cousins Muriel and Roger from Florida, and yours truly from Miami. Thoughtful expressions came from nieces Monica in Nigeria and Pat in Canada. Also, Leonard's son, Collin, whom I understand that Edna raised, was there from England. Other nephews, nieces and cousins, too numerous to mention were also in attendance. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party in Barbados and his deputy were present, along with former MP, Frundel Stuart.

I understand that many former workers from Sam Lord's Castle, Edna's former work-place, also came to pay their last respect.

Mason family members represented in the choir were Rosetta Howard, Othneil Mason, Annis Coppin, and in-law Beryl Bynoe-Mason. Two choirs participated in the service. The St. Mark's choir gave a tribute in song for half an hour prior to the commencement of the service, and the St. Catherine's choir took over for the funeral. Charles Moore gave an appreciation speech and Michael Lashley, MP, paid tribute to his aunt. Wismore Butcher read the 1st lesson and Tanya Clarke paid tribute in song. Ruphene Clarke had the responsibility of ushering attendees to their seats. This seemed harrowing at times, as seats became scarce pretty early.

Edna looked very peaceful in a lovely white dress with sparkling rhine stones in the front, and had in her hand a little red heart-shaped cushion with the inscription "I love you". This was from little Kyla Trotman, Pam's little girl, whom I understand was practically living with Edna. Thanks Marva for your contribution, and for helping to make things run smoother for Edna as she neared the end.

After the interment, and still at the graveside, some of the Masons, as has become the practice, sang a couple songs of the defunct Eastern Melody Choir (a Masons choir of yesteryear).

The reception, held at St. Catherine's Club, was well attended and there was a lot of socializing. This was medicine for my soul. I was able to see several family members whom I had not seen for years (especially some of Cecil's children, Peter and 'Reverent', and Alston's).

Edna's illness and passing seems to have had a profound effect on Leonard. It was obvious. He may need a lot of emotional support. Please remember him in your prayers.

Edna is gone, but she will never be forgotten. She will contine to live in our hearts forever. It feels like she is "gone too soon", but God knows best, and saw fit to relieve her of her suffering. She has obviously touched the lives of many, and her living has not been in vain. I thanks God for her life, and for the opportunity to have known her.

May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory at the resurrection!

Sheila Butcher
(cousin)
June 4, 2005
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1