Mrs. Rita Claudette James

Our beautiful Rita, has always shown unconditional love to everyone, without expectations or boundaries and we are very fortunate that we’ve had her love, support and wisdom for so many years. Sometimes, we take for granted, the time we have with our loved ones because they are the constant pillars of strength and resilience in our lives. And Life will always remind us that we cannot appreciate the days of love and light without the days of rain and darkness. However, after every rainstorm, another flower blossoms and Rita has created a magnificent garden of roses for years to bloom. We are all connected to her, one way or the other and I know that this is not the end of her story, it’s the beginning of her legacy. I love you Ma, forever and always - Jo-Jo

To the James family, especially my adopted brother Gary James, who cannot physically be there today, please accept our sincere condolences at this time for such a great loss. Mrs. Rita James has left an indelible mark on all of our lives. She was the one significant flower in the entire garden that outshone the others with her radiant smile. Whenever I visited the home in Agricole I felt a part of the family. She was an outstanding believer and an example during our time as fellow members of Eccles Assembly of God Church in Guyana. I remember her words of advice whenever I visited their home. She would leave the kitchen, come next to me and say "Joel, I hope you would not encourage Gary to do anything wrong", and I always replied "no Mrs. Rita". This was always a prelude to going out together, but Gary was unaware of it. In a way she made me feel that I dare not get out of line and cause him to be led astray. She always seized the opportunity when we were alone to make sure that we were not doing anything wrong. In this way, she helped me to stay focused on serving God and doing what was right. I thank God for the impact she had on my life and would like to leave these words of encouragement with the bereaved family: In John 14:27 Jesus said "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". Let her legacy of love live on through you. May she rest in peace.

To Roti today will be one of the hardest days yet to come, I cant express how I will truly miss you like the times when you would say son when ate we gonna go to the casino or how much is lotto max. These were truly the greatest times, as I sit and write this message it brings tears to my eyes knowing that you are gone but I have to understand that your are gone to a better place and will be looking down on all of us. I miss hearing you laught when the joke was sweet and just looking at your smile, made me happy to see that you wee happy. I wish we all had more time with you as it was so short, but I know that you are with the creator and this is my time to say I will see you later Love Germaine

Grandma, what can I say? I am at lost for words and I have a hard time believing you are gone. I thought I had more time to visit and bring my littles ones to show them how amazing you are. Even though we were miles apart, I thought of you everyday and often tell my children about the fond memories at Grandma’s. I was hoping to have more time, so my children would have the opportunity to experience “Grandmas’ house”, where everyone is gathered, celebrating, laughing, talking, and having a good time. I will always remember your smile, and how happy you were when everyone was around. There was something special about going to grandmas. I remember the conversations we had, and I will always treasure those moments. There was something very peaceful and settling when speaking with you, even when discussing the simple things in life. It is through those conversations that I felt more connected to you and was utterly amazed and fascinated with your life and all that you have done. Every time I came to visit, I looked forward to spending more time with you. Though I cannot see you anymore, you will always be on my mind, and will always be a part of my life. I always remember our conversations and remember your spirit. Though you may not realize, you taught me to have confidence and taught me to believe that anything is possible if you keep trying. May you rest in peace Grandma.

Dearest mom: Even the most superfluous language is inadequate to aptly describe the extraordinary mom you were to me. With profound gratitude, I salute you for your care, your unwavering love and the tremendous sacrifice you made to see me successful. Indisputably selfless, creative, supportive, long-suffering, prayerful and peaceful. Muchas gracias mama! A friend, counsellor, investor, sous chef, seamstress, launderer, home designer, budget analyst, planner, strategist, teacher, engineer and negotiator. Mother of character! My mom - par excellence! Nothing on earth can lull the pain I feel or dry my tears as I struggle with losing you. You were so strong! Awesome mom! You fought a brave fight to the end! I confer on you posthumously the highest degree — summa cum laude! I looked at you on that fateful Friday not knowing that my last moments with you would have been just a few hours before. Your room is empty now. There’s a vacuum.....never to be filled. Hope has come alive mom! Thanks for sending me to Sunday School. The God you served mom, and trusted when all ships were sinking is the same God who gives me that hope for ‘to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.’ Dearest mom, now that all your struggles are over and you have gone to be with Jesus, enjoy everlasting peace and a life full of bliss! My loving mom, your daughter Jennifer, your son- in -law Stanley, grandsons Leslie, Lester, Lincoln and Leon miss you dearly. Your grands are extremely grateful for the encouragement and values you imparted to them as well as the rich legacy you left them. Your love will forever linger in our hearts. Rest In Peace dearest mom.

Grandma, you are one inspirational grandma. I am so glad I got to see you often to have your presence. You always checked up on me even when no one else did by asking if i was okay or to just see if im doing well. I remember when i was a little boy and came over to your home; you'd always have food cooked for me and gave me company. You are so loving and I am so sad to see you go away. I wish you were still around because you are the only grandma that I mainly got to see growing up and we became close. Couple weeks ago I seen how excited my mom always used to be to go down to see you. This took a big hit on me because my mom admired you so much and enjoyed taking care of you as often as she could. You were an anchor for my mom and it is so sad to see how my mom is now that you are gone. Your home was the place for the family to get together to socialize and grow more as one. This is now going to be so different because you are no longer here to give us company. You are such a strong person and you have impacted many of the family positively. You managed to put a smile on not one but many faces and your good works will always stick with me. I love you so much and I wish I got to say that more often because all the times I did now looks like I didn't say it enough. Grandma you will forever be in my heart and I am going to miss you so much:( I love you and god will always be with you.

Composing this homage was my biggest challenge to date. I felt as though every key I pressed left craters in my heart. No words can verbalize the excruciating pain and sorrow I feel about your passing. I was so presumptuous in thinking that I had more time with you when time waits for no one... “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself,” Matthew 22:37-37. These verses served as the foundation of my grandmother’s faith and entire disposition. There was no question that she loved the Lord with her whole heart, mind, body, and soul, nor was there ever a doubt that her love extended to all humankind. My grandmother lived according to Bible principles and she reminded me to do likewise. Whenever I sat with her to converse, the first thing she asked was “are you still going to church?” No matter my response, she concluded that dialogue by saying, “make sure you always make time for God.” Her relationship with God centred her, and I was encouraged to make Him my centre as well. The other thing that kept my grandmother grounded was her love for others, especially her love for her family. If you knew my grandmother, you knew that she had an open-door policy, and I mean that literally. I remember getting the urge to be in her presence, and occasionally I would drop by unannounced to satisfy my compulsion. I often brought my husband along, and she received him every time with open arms. Everyone was welcome at her home, where a warm smile, lots of food, and endless conversation were guaranteed. After every visit, she asked how soon I would return and insisted that I called first. She did not want to miss my spontaneous reappearance nor waste my time if she was engaged elsewhere. I never called. When I missed her, I showed up, and I suppose everyone did as well. I always wondered why my grandmother’s house was the busiest in the neighbourhood, and today I concluded that while Christ was her centre, she was ours… I am grateful for every moment I spent with her, and I wish we had more time together, but I find solace reminiscing upon her influence in my life. She imparted invaluable lessons about motherhood, marriage, finance, education, spirituality, and most importantly, being a person of good conscience… I appreciate the joy and laughter she provided whenever I was in her presence. One particular interaction I will never forget transpired in 1994. I dared to greet her by saying, “Rita how you doing.” She turned to me and said, “Monette, you can call me mommy or grandma like all the other children, but not Rita.” I responded, “Okay granny,” and that prompted her to remind me of the two options she offered earlier, which then transitioned into a spiel about being too young and vibrant for the title of granny. I snicker every time I call to memory my first lesson on addressing my elders respectfully. That exchange was the sweetest, most humorous yet firm correction I have received to date. I am pleased that every teachable moment with her occurred by way of love, and because of it, I have never questioned my place in her heart, and how could I, when my grandmother communicated how special I was to her every single time. I close with the promise to adhere to all the values that she impressed upon my heart, especially to live my life guided by love. Sleep my precious grandma until I join you on our final excursion to meet the King of love. Christyna, Shania, Ethan, Lester and I will miss you greatly! ❤❤❤

Dedicated to a fallen angel Dear Grandma, You have been taken from me. Some say you don’t realize what you have lost until it is gone but for me that is not the case. I knew what I had. I had a grandma that cherished her family and was a happy and peaceful soul. She might have not been the richest but she was rich in love. What she built for us is incredible. She gave us a big family. This family was built big so we have each other to lean on and to cherish. It didn’t process in my mind before but she is the reason I have so much support and so many people to lean on. She sacrificed and fought to raise a lot of children so that they can continue to build generations, grow and most importantly, so we are never alone. Every Birthday, every Christmas she would always remember no matter how difficult times were or how sick she was. She never forgot and always showed up. That meant a lot to me because I felt her love and I knew she cared. It meant something to me because I felt special. Her love for her family, people and fun is something that I truly admire. Her light made my light become brighter even when dimmed. I was never sad around her because her energy and positivity was so beautiful that it was impossible to have a frown on your face. From when I was a baby she shared her works of love and it made an impact on me. All those stories that my dad told me about him and his siblings not growing up from much, she made nothing into something. She gave us each other and taught us that family is everything. She taught me that it doesn’t matter where you come from or how much you have or don’t have. Even if the toy is broken, that is okay because you can put it back together and create something better and unique. Which is why her story is so legendary, If she hadn't tried to create a better life for her kids half of us wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have such a beautiful family. Each of us was born with a name that means something and it is important that we remember where and who we come from because it is a big part of who we are. For me madramootoo means infinite. I believe that I am strong and limitless. I am proud of my name because it came from a strong woman, my grandma and she passed that strength down to me. It hurts my heart that I can no longer see her smile and her beauty but I know that her love and beauty will travel through me, my family and many more generations to come. I thought this was the end but it is not. It is the beginning. This is the beginning of our family coming back stronger and better than ever. This is the beginning of our family creating a better life for ourselves in this new chapter. She sacrificed and gave her all for this family for a reason. She fought to the very end, so we wouldn’t be alone in our battles and so we can lift each other up through darkness and the light. We have to continue to grow and make her proud. Show her that we did appreciate her love and we will continue to show it everyday through each other. There is a lot that I am still learning about myself and that I am trying to accomplish. During this process I have struggled and still am struggling. But I know that if I just try I can reach that bright place. So I have to remind myself no matter how hard it gets, don't throw the towel in, do what Grandma did and just try. Even though she had a smile on her face all the time did not mean she didn’t go through pain or she wasn’t hurting. I am sure she was hurting and things were difficult but she counted her blessings and knew she was never alone. She kept a smile on her face so we wouldn’t have to worry. She was strong for us so now we need to be strong for her. Carry on the joy. Grandma loved us all dearly and I know she would want us to do better. I know it because she told me herself to make something of myself and to try. I will try, I know it won’t be easy but I know I am not alone. I mean after all she gave me a big family to help me out so let’s just say thank god for that. From a proud Granddaughter that will carry on your love. Fly high

It’s hard for me to fathom the words to tell you how sad I am that you’re gone. I am proud to have called you my grandma. I didn't know the last time I saw you before you got sick would have been the last. You were sleeping when I came over and if I had only knew I would have woken you up and told you how much I loved you and how amazing you were. You were such a strong individual I am sorry that you had to leave this earth this way and sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. I am grateful to you for making so much wonderful memories with me. You were my home away from home. Trying to find the perfect memory to talk about is hard because everyday was a memory with you. I came to see you every week sometimes I would spend everyday with you. We laughed we talked we prayed. You taught me so many life lessons. You taught me about the importance of family. You were the family’s rock. Me and all my cousins are going to miss going to grandmas house. We are going to miss laughing and making jokes with you every time we saw you. A piece of us is gone now that you are gone. Thank you for blessing me with the mother I have today. She is just like you. Caring, giving, and thoughtful like you. I see you in her all the time. You were her best friend and she is my best friend. You will forever live on in our hearts. May you forever rest in paradise. I love you so much Grandma. This is not goodbye.

A Tribute To My Mother. My mother, Rita Claudette James was a very unique and special person. She was a very generous,caring, loving and authentic mother. Mom, today I give you well- deserved praise for being such an exemplary, stellar mom. A stalwart! How can I forget the times we spoke about faith and love; caring and sharing? Mom you were with me all my life. We shared precious, unforgettable memories when I migrated with you to Canada as a teenager. In dark and extremely challenging moments, you exuded tremendous fortitude and faith in God. You always encouraged me to pray with confidence that God will overcome any and all challenges. No other person in this world can take your place dearest mom.! You are my mom, my best friend. I know in the silence you are there with me. Mom I am reassured that you are smiling at the birds. I am here thinking of you in the soft breeze and in the sunlight. God is ready with open arms waiting to meet you. Mom, it was a tremendous honour to care for you at the most crucial and critical part of your journey in life. Everything I did sacrificially for you mom was from a humble heart filled with love, compassion and genuine concern for your health and well-being. Profound thanks for bringing me into the world and for instilling eternal values in my life. You left Johnny, Nikki and me a great legacy! We love you. Mom. may the Lord bless and keep you and grant you great reward. Mom, most of all may He bless you with happiness and peace. May your days be filled with light, and your nights with serenity. Mom have a beautiful life in heaven! We will miss you. Rest in Peace mom. Love you.... always. We dedicate this song to you: ' His eye is on the sparrow.'

One quiet day the angels came, And took you away. I didn’t get a final goodbye, And it has been difficult without you in my life. Left behind is a broken man, But I find comfort in knowing that your pain is gone. I’m certain you’re up in heaven singing the sweetest songs. I will treasure forever our moments together, Every sweet, tender, and joyous time. Not a day will pass, Where I will not think of you and remember your gentle smile. My Dearest Mother you are here no more, But I look forward to the day in the sweet by and by, Where we shall meet on that beautiful shore. Your loving son, Clement

Rita I have known you all my life, as a mother-in-law, a mother and a friend. We shared a lot of years together, you were always a caring and loving person with a beautiful laughter. As a mother you loved all of your children in a special way and cared for them with all your heart. You would always laugh when you remembered the things they did growing up, I was able to share those moments with you. When I saw you or spoke with you on the phone you would always end the conversation with " don't work too hard, take care of your health and be safe because I love you". I will miss hearing those words. I know that you are watching over all of us from heaven. Rest in paradise Rita, I love you.

Mom you have departed from me unexpectedly, which left me broken and very sad. I will never stop loving you until the day I die. You were indeed a faithful, caring, loving, and enduring mother. You have turned down many invitations just so you can be with your children 24/7, except for when it is time to do grocery shopping and going to church. Mom I really miss you and I cannot find the words at this time to describe yiour uniqueness. Even though I am married and have children, you still played the roll of a mother. Each time I visit you, you always tell me that you love me and God will bless me. I will never forget those words. You grew me up in the fear of the lord, which I thank you for. Your values and qualities that you installed in me will never depart from me because those same values and qualities made me the woman and mother I am today. I have adapted those same principles and values and I am passing them on to my children. Mom, I believe you have gone to be with the lord. I will see you again one day. May your soul Rest In Peace. I love you very very much mom.

Dear my beloved grandma, There is no amount of words that can express the grief your passing has caused me. It’s been officially two weeks since your unfortunate passing and it has still not fully registered in my brain. There was so much memories I wanted to share with you. I was honestly looking forth for you being here to witness my university graduation. I wanted to show you my diploma and say “look grandma I graduated from university! The next step is law school grandma!” Every time I would come down to see you, you would ask me how’s school? How many more years do you have left? It’s so sad. It’s not fair that you’re gone. Writing this speech for you is causing so many tears because you should still be alive. I remember how you use to rub my back every night to put me sleep, and you won’t sleep until I fall asleep when you were living with us for short period of time. I also remember how every time I came to see you, you would ask me if I ate already. And if I said no not yet, you would call my mom to come feed me. When winter time comes around you would always tell me to bundle up and wear my scarf, gloves, warm jacket, and hat so I don’t catch a cold. Then you would proceed to lecture me on how deadly it is to catch a simple cold. When I used to go to the hospital often you would cry and be so sad because you would want me home. Grandma I’m really going to miss you calling me “Ta-Ta” as a nickname for me. I’m going to miss your sweet gentle smile and your cute little giggle/laugh. I wish I could tell you how much I love you one more time, for you to know how much I love you. You were there for my birth and I wish to God I was there to see you finally go to rest. My favourite story of all time with you is how when I was little I ran away from home when my parents were living in Toronto right beside you on Antler street because I wanted to see you. However, instead of going to your house, I ended up in another person house and they had to bring me to your house because they know I was trying to go to grandmas house. Lastly, I knew how much you wanted to see my bunny Milo, and I regret not bringing him sooner to see you. I missed how much you would care about him. To conclude this message for you grandma, I want to end it with a bible scripture because you are a child of God. John chapter 11 verses 25-26 says “ I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” To ease my pain of losing my loving grandmother, I remember this scripture constantly because I know you are not dead. You are just finally resting. Your time has come to end on this earth, even though I wish your death wasn’t caused by COVID. You are a child of God and you have never forgot to show it because I remember all those times you would talk about God and the bible. So, Grandma, I am going to miss you so so so much. And I love you tremendously. You are not dead but asleep.

In loving memory to my dearest mom. It is so sad and hurtful the way you departed from us all . At this time you left so many with a broken heart . I just cant get over this, your in my heart and soul all the time. I know it was not the time for you as yet. You had a longer life . It is so painful right now. You were mother who cared and love all of her children. No one will ever replace you. As you go to rest no more worries, pain and suffering. I love you mom. I will always and forever be with you. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Dear mom this is Ricky . My condolences to you. We talk so much and am hurt to know that they took you away so soon. I will never accept and believe with your energy and strength remembering and understanding. Mom only god knows he has better place for you. I love you

My beloved Sister Rita, you were truly a guiding light for us. You set a shining example of what a good wife, mother, sister and friend should be. You always did your best to be patient with us and all of your many children, which was no easy feat. You saw the good in people, loved being among family, and you were always there to ask how you could help. With a wide age gap between us growing up, you were more of a mother figure to me, and I certainly looked up to you in my kindergarten and elementary school years. All the memories of your caring and love during those childhood years came flooding back to me when I saw you again upon your arrival in Canada. It was such a joy to once more see your ever-present smile and revel in your wonderful ever-ready hugs. I don't have all the words to express how heartbroken I am about this loss, but I do know my wonderful and loving memories of you will live on.

Mommy you will be deeply missed but I know you went too soon because of recklessness, you suffered enough and I want you to know as one of your biggest fan and son, I'm missing you so much already, you never drag us up, we all was brought up well with love and very good caring. Please rest mommy and blow good breeze on all of us, we shall meet in heaven. Love you mommy. You always say, "you never miss the water till the well run dry".

From the very first time I visited the Madramootoo home, I was instantly invited into the family. In huge part due to Rita's (who I called Mom) warm smile and loving demeanor. As often as I was welcomed with open arms I was also cussed out (with love) for not visiting enough, which strangly made me feel that much more like another son, and I instantly had a second mother. I will miss you dearly. Your legacy will live on through your children, your grandchildren and the countless people who's lives you've touched through the years. Marc spends much of his time taking care of everyone else, but I promise you that I'll keep an eye on him and he will always have me to help watch over him. Rest in power Mom. Love Sean

Rits, I never thought I would lose you this soon. My dear sister now that you are gone, you are no longer here to share our bond of love and care. I wish I can hug you, but now I am left with cherished memories of our sisterly bond from our childhood days and our move to Canada. I treasure those memories which brings me comfort and peace. I am sad and will miss our weekly chats and laughter. Our sisterly chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. May your soul rest in eternal peace, with love always my dear sister.🙏🤗❤️ Joaney Poney

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick one for me place them in my beloved friend arms And tell her they're from me. Tell her I Love her and will Miss her And when she turns to smile place a kiss on her cheek for me my Lord. My sweet and dear friend Rita. I have some much things I want to say to you. Thank you for all your Love and kindness you gave to me and my family. You are someone that holds a very special place in my heart. I will Miss you more than words can say. I promise you that I will always be there for your chunky wonky Germaine and your beautiful family too this is my promise to you ❤ RIP My Sweetheart Love your friend always and forever Chine ❤

I was touched by Rita’s warm, kind and welcoming personality. She had such a big heart and was just so sweet. My heart goes out to her family and all those who will dearly miss such a beautiful person.