Rosemarie Veronica McMaster nee Thomas MBE (Age 77)

Sunrise:  24th March 1948 (Mongo Town, Upper North Street, St. John's, Antigua)

Sunset:  16th January 2026 (Kissimmee, Florida, USA)

Funeral Service:   Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Newgate Street, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Wednesday, 25th February 2026

Time:  10 AM

Interment: St. John's Public Cemetery

Funeral Service Video Link:  (Belmont Studios) https://www.youtube.com/live/rFbTFRGsje4?si=-Fl468CuZR7LQ-4E 

Our family is saddened by the passing of our beloved Rosemarie Veronica McMaster MBE, also known as Rosie. 

The sad event took place on Friday, 16th January 2026. Rosemarie was originally from Upper North Street, known as Mongo Town and later resided in Marble Hill and lastly in Kissimmee, Florida.  She was the owner of Global Travel & Tours, then later put her life into Susie's Hot Sauce, continuing her mother’s legacy.

She was predeceased by her parents Susanna Samuel Tonge of Upper North Street and John Thomas from All Saints.  Siblings: Deceased Hyacinth and Leroy

Mourning is her Husband: Vreino McMaster,

Children: Anthea McMaster-Davis, Orlando McMaster, and Marcelo McMaster, Grandchildren: Cameron and Myles Davis

Nieces/nephews: Salome Tonge, Ruth Thomas, Arlene Regina Thomas, Gilbert Thomas, Leroy Jestine.

Rosie was related to the Simon’s, Sebastians, Tonges, Humphreys, Lapps from Johnston’s Point, Edwards from Falmouth, Dyer and John family from Old Runaway, Stevens from Point, Giles, Gillian and Geoffrey Joseph, Gwendolyn Williams and family in New York, Milford “Ma” Samuel, Patricia Simon-Forde and family, Sharon, Janice, Trevor Vigo and their families, Patrick James and family.

She was the in-Law to the McMasters in Antigua, USA, UK, Tortola, Dominica and abroad

She was the dear Friend of Junie Arah Armstrong Martin and family, Dr. Carl and Mrs. Pauline Roberts and family, Lucien and Hartley Humphreys, Roy And Valerie Shaw, Dr. Vincent Richards and family, Paul Bell, Mrs Georges, Cavelle Furlong Moore and family, Jones family, Dotsie Perry her neighbour and the Lewis family, Bishop Kingsley Lewis and Mrs Lewis, Blondel Michael and family, Kevin Joseph and family, The Arthurtons, Nicome and Liverpool families in the USA, Gloria Omard Charity and family, The Hurst family, Prosper family Hesse Family. Dr. Gloria and Dr. Hayden Thomas and family, Philip and Magdalene Thomas UK, Burleigh and Alexander family. Former staff of Global Travel and Tours and Susie’s Hot Sauce.

A Mass of Thanksgiving for the late Rosemarie Veronica McMaster MBE also known as Rosie, will be held on Wednesday 25th February, 2026 10a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, burial at the St. John’s Public Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Sunrise:  28th March 1952 (St. Johnstons Village, Antigua) 

Sunset:  22nd January 2026 (Hollywood, FL, USA)

Funeral Service:    Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. 

Date:  Saturday, January 31, 2026  

Time:  12:30 PM 

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Women In Distress. 

Spouse:  Lloyd Walkinshaw

Parents (deceased):  Rouse and Iola Spencer

Grandmother (deceased):  Irene 'Dada' White

Children:  Nicole Walkinshaw, Karen Walkinshaw Garris and her husband Barry and Natalie Walkinshaw 

Siblings (deceased):   Bert Spencer, Theodore Spencer, Lowell Spencer, Marilyn Boco-Baxter, and Launette Spencer. 

Siblings:  Patrick Spencer, Gerald Spencer and his wife Roma, Peach Spencer, Gwynneth Spencer-Walcott, Paul Spencer and his wife Adele, Peter Spencer and his wife Mia, Eldene Spencer and his wife Nichole, and Thomas Spencer and his wife Karen 

Friend: Oeslyn Jemmotte and her husband Roosevelt 

Jeannette Amelia Spencer Walkinshaw, our beloved Mother and the treasured wife of our father, Lloyd Walkinshaw, was born on March 28, 1952, in St. John’s, Antigua. From the very beginning, Jeannette was unmistakably herself…brilliant, fearless, beautiful, and filled with a spirit so vibrant it could not be ignored. She would remind you with a smile and a firm emphasis that her name was spelled Jeannette with two “N’s” and two “T’s” because details mattered, and so did dignity.

Jeannette is a wondrous and miraculous soul that served as a force of energy, light, empathy, and compassion. She had an unmatched gift for seeing straight through confusion to the truth of a matter. No one could out-think her, outmaneuver her, or out-debate her. Not because she sought to overpower others, but because she was committed to clarity, justice, and doing what was right. She literally carries what our family lovingly describes as a fierce “dragon spirit”. Not a spirit of destruction, but one of protection. She always encouraged us to be protective of the vulnerable, protective of family and friends, and protective of the principle that every human life deserves respect.

Our Mother was never one to back down from a fight for justice and equality. She had the courage to speak up when silence would have been easier, and the strength to stand firm even when it cost her comfort. Yet, alongside that fire is a deep tenderness. Jeannette’s compassion was not a performance. It was a way of living. She extended care in practical ways, through presence, through listening, through advocacy, and through the steady belief that people could rise, heal, and become more than their hardest day.

Jeannette will always be profoundly devoted to her family. She loved with intensity, loyalty, and pride. She poured into her children, Nicole, Karen, and Natalie, a sense of connection, purpose, and love. She carried the joys and burdens of motherhood with strength and stood as a pillar in the home she and Lloyd built. Her love will always be protective, wise, and unmistakably sincere.

To know Jeannette was to encounter a woman of conviction, feistiness, brilliance, and full of life. By transcending this Earth, she leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and an unforgettable spirit. We honor her not only in mourning, but in gratitude for her example, her fierce love, and the imprint she has left on every heart she touched.

Sunrise: 20th January 1929

Sunset: 26th December 2025 

Funeral Service: Beacon Light Church of the Nazarene, Amy Byers and Hand Streets, Villa Area, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Wednesday, 21st January 2026

Time:  1 PM

Funeral Service Video Link:  

 Beacon Light Church of the Nazarene (Antigua)   https://www.youtube.com/live/vnItT5hE-Vk?si=s0sjGwbAejtoBGRJ

Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene (Jamaica, NY)   https://www.youtube.com/live/yl01p4EKdDY?si=_XbdFXaCE925NQ3Y

Parents (deceased): Donald and Irene James

Spouse (deceased):  Curten Charles

Children:  Colette Sharpe, Joycelyn Charles Carr, Hyacinth Charles, Ivor Charles, Janice Charles, Sanford Charles, Karen Massiah and Kevin Charles

Siblings (deceased):  Audrey Roberts, Ernestine Punter and Donald James

Sister: Icilma Christopher

Sunrise:  16th November 1935 

Sunset:  11th December 2025

Funeral Service:  St. John's SDA Church, Nevis Street, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Tuesday, 13th January 2026

Time:  2 PM

Interment: Tranquility Park Cemetery

Funeral Service Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/LPSt1J4YIU8?si=466G2CiIJn033v6_

Children:  St. Clair Murraine and Tiffany Allen Braithwaite

Sister:  Mary Elizabeth Murraine

Sunrise:  7th January 1934

Sunset:  11th December 2025

Funeral Service:  Spring Gardens Moravian Church, St. John's Street, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Wednesday, 7th January 2026

Time:  10 AM

Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/jVclzlIiqcM?si=DatFmwI56rQ5MV_H

Interment:  Floretta Gardens Cemetery (Potters Village)

Death Announcement: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4286866961635652

 A Night of Tribute 

Place: Potters Zion Moravian Church

Date and Time: Monday, 5th January 2026 at 6:30 PM

Video Link:  (Belmont Studios)

 https://www.youtube.com/live/uGiOwBNWcS4?si=2eL9SkTujODnPwqR 

Photo Credit: Facebook

Spouse (deceased):  Clayton Wildin Smith

Children:  Donald Smith and his wife Valerie, Byron Smith and his wife Julian, Reverend Denise Smith Lewis and her husband Algernon, Anthony Smith Sr. and his wife Keilah, Heather James and her husband Wesley and Patmore Smith and his wife Jovanca

Mrs Genevieve Smith, nee Lewis, was born in the village of Potters on January 7th, 1934, to Pearl Byron and Herman Lewis.  She received her early spiritual formation at the Potters Zion Moravian Church and most of her formal education at the Antigua Boys School.  From childhood, she was loving, generous and deeply compassionate towards the poor, the vulnerable and the dispossessed.  She often gave her lunch, shoes and other belongins to classmates in need, sometimes returning home hungry or barefoot.  

She began her teaching career at nineteen at the Potters Primary and later Piggots Primary School.  In 1971, she attended Teacher's Training College, excelling in her studies.  She dedicated over fifty years to education, earning the endearing name Teacher Gen.  While the name reflects her profession and a shortened version of her first name, it also came to respect her patience, methodical approach, genuine love and care for others.  Known as a remedial teacher, she had a special heart for slow learners and regularly succeeded where others had given up.

After her retirement, the Ministry of Education rehired her to participate in a pilot program integrating students with special challenges into the regular school system.  For an additional ten years, she successfully taught reading, arithmetic and life skills, influencing three generations of students who continue to contribute meaningfully to Antiguan and Barbudan society.

Her love for children extended far beyond the classroom.  Widely known as the "woman who takes children nobody wants", she welcomed abused and abandoned children into her care.  Even when her home was full, she found ways to provide for them, sometimes arranging lodging with others and paying from her own resources.  She ensured every child was fed, educated and tutored when necessary, caring for them as her own.  In total, she helped over sixty children, giving them and now their children a chance at a better life.  

Clayton Wildin Smith married her on a Wednesday morning, 9th October 1963, at 9 am at Cana when he told Reverend Henkelmann "I do".  They had six children together.

Teacher Gen was also a devoted community leader and patriot, expressing her love for Antigua and Barbuda through service.  Before marriage and family responsibilities, she was deeply involved in the Antigua Trades and Labor Union, serving for many years as Secretary of the Potters Branch and Leader of the Juvenile Branch.  A skilled negotiator and eternal optimist, she consistently worked to bring understanding and peace.  

A woman of strong Christian faith, she was actively involved in the Moravian Church throughout her life.  She served as a Sunday School teacher at Spring Gardens and Potters Zion, and even at the age of seventy-seven, she was a member of the Board of Elders, Women's Fellowship and a Confirmation class teacher.  She also taught adult literacy classes from her home and volunteered at the Boys Training School.   Teaching and helping others remained her greatest passion throughout her life.

Sunrise:  16th February 1947 

Sunset:  5th December 2025 

Funeral Service: Ebenezer Methodist Church, St. Mary's Street, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Tuesday, 6th January 2026

Time:  10 AM

Interment:  Freetown Methodist Cemetery

Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/lp7pEPoFYs4?si=rgUomovvz5KHlnC6

Parents (deceased):  Morris Payne and Geraldine Romeo Payne

Spouse (deceased): Keathley M.M. Stephens

Children:  Joy and Candia Stephens

Sunrise:  3rd May 1924 

Sunset:  18th April 2025 (Christian Hill, Antigua)

Funeral Service: Bethesda Methodist Church, Bethesda Village, St. Phillips, Antigua

Date:  Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Time:  2 PM

Viewing:  At the Church from 1 PM - 1:45 PM

Interment:  Bethesda/Christian Hill Community Cemetery

Video Link (Francis Media Production): https://www.youtube.com/live/QwEG5ODEOPU?si=mndTErOVuEPQwqbY

Parents (deceased):  Theophilus Thomas and Adelaide Smith

Siblings (deceased):  Charles Casey and Pamela Casey Cornelius

Children: Lucinda Payne and Foster Payne

Sunrise:  4th November 1927 (New York, USA)

Sunset:  31st March 2025 (New York, USA)

Visitation: Saturday, April 26, 2025

10:00 am - 11:30 am

McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home

4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466

Funeral Service:  

Saturday, April 26, 2025

11:30 am

McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home

4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466

Interment:  

Woodlawn Cemetery

233 Street & Webster Avenue Bronx, NY 10470

 Video link: https://youtu.be/VKovZ10krsA

Parents (deceased): Ernest and Matilda Punter

Spouse (deceased):  Army Sgt Eugene P Lopez 

Children:  Charlene and Eugene Jr, 

 Grandchildren: Chantel, Cherie, Erica, Aaron, Cassandra 

 Great-grandchildren: Deja, Kenny, Destiny. 

Great-great grandchildren: CC, Aliyah, Jamari,

Amara, Josiah, Jamir. Brother George Casim

 Brother-in-law: Allan Lopez 

 Sister-in-laws: Betty Lopez and Frances Lopez Sterling, 

Celebration of Life

Ruby Pearl Punter Lopez

Wow!! Not one but two gems. Yes, she was that special even from birth!!

Ruby. Pearl!!

Ruby was born on November 4th, 1927, in New York, to Ernest and Matilda Punter, who hailed from the Caribbean Island of Antigua. As the 2nd oldest of seven children, Ruby was always reliable and conscientious. The ultimate babysitter!!

Ruby’s early education was received in the New York City Public School system. Ruby was smart, compassionate and a good friend. She developed an interest in social studies and English. She liked to discuss current events and had an opinion on everything. It was said that if you didn’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask Ruby!!!

She was active in sports, ran track and participated in P.A.L. activities, including

Skating, crafting, knitting and crocheting. Ruby became so adept that she made outfits for her own children.

Although Ruby was on the college track as she wanted to become a social worker. College was only for the rich!!

Ruby attended Central Commercial HS, pursuing commercial and secretarial studies. Ruby excelled in school. She worked her way up the ladder as secretary to the executive director of the Department of Social Services.

Ruby met her neighbour's son, Army Sgt Eugene P Lopez, whom she fell in love with and married on June 19th, 1948, in a lavish ceremony in union congregational church in Harlem, New York.

Of this union, two children, Charlene and Eugene Jr., were born.

The family kept active by bike riding, skating and playing handball. They were actually pretty good and competitive. With his brother Warren and his wife Geraldine the team beat the local teenagers in many tournaments.

Traveling was their passion, and they travelled to many exotic places. Hawaii Spain and Senegal just to name a few.  They also cruised the Caribbean with their good friends Nat and Joe Keggler.

The United Methodist Church of Spring Valley was

Ruby's home church for more than 10 years. She was a choir member, serving on many committees and holding several board positions, loving the church and members as they admired her charm, grace and passion for life. Her

Brother George Casim recalls the princess story. The Queen of England, back then, as a princess, toured Harlem when both girls were about ten. As she rode past the screaming schoolchildren, the Princess locked eyes with Ruby. Ruby never forgot that encounter!!

Ernest, her dad, instructed Ruby on how to post an overseas letter. Did the princess receive a letter??

Ruby retired some 40 years from the Department of Social Services. She spent time assisting the church, spending time with family and friends, and travelling. 

Rest in peace!!

Rest in prayer!!

Pest in power!!

Sunrise:  21st December 1922 (Dominican Republic)

Sunset:  16th March 2025 (Antigua)

Funeral Service: Villa SDA Church, Fort Road, St. John's, Antigua

Date:  Monday, 14th April 2025

Time:  2 PM

Interment:  St. John's Public Cemetery

Video Link (Villa SDA Church): https://www.youtube.com/live/4t63WO7-CIk?si=tka_NiABoM77DXY9 

Jane Lucretia Ryan affectionately known as Sarah Jane, was born on December 21, 1922, and was the eldest of four siblings. Her father, Luke Julius of St Kitts, and her mother, Priscila Fergus of Montserrat, met in the Dominican Republic.

After her mother's passing, Sarah Jane relocated to Dominica and resided with three of her aunts. Sarah Jane became a Seventh-day Adventist, and, after a series of meetings held by Pastor Gooding, she gladly accepted the call and was baptized as a teenager.

She was encouraged by many in Dominica to further her education at what was called “Caribbean Collage”, however, there wasn’t any permanent help from her family to pursue her studies.

After the passing of the aunt she resided with, she was taken in by another aunt, Ann Fergus, who lived in Montserrat. There she stayed and oftentimes she was also with her grandfather.

After moving to Montserrat, her aunt in America had hopes of adopting her and the thought of this brought a level of financial relief.  However, her focus was on the Lord and being active in church.

At the early age of 17, she met and fell in love with James Ryan in Montserrat, and at 18, they were happily married. She made frequent visits to Antigua to be with her husband who was employed there at the time.

Their first child was born in Montserrat and following the birth, she decided to settle permanently in Antigua and Barbuda where she lived on Church Street. She and her husband became active members of the St. John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church. They had four children – two boys and two girls. One of the boys died soon after birth and the other died in 2017. Her husband died on May 21, 2003.

Sister Ryan, Sister Sarah and Mother Ryan are all names used to refer to Sarah Jane.  She founded the feeding programme called “The Dorcas Society” at the St John’s SDA Church. She was an active Deaconess and choir member under Cuthbert Prince.  She was a children’s leader in Sabbath School and a part of the hospital group that visited patients every Sabbath afternoon led by Brother Percy Brathwaite.

When her membership moved to the Villa Church, she worked even harder with children and the Dorcas Society. She was an outstanding cook, baker, seamstress, housekeeper and businesswoman.  In the Villa community, she was known as the ginger beer maker, ice cream seller, the frozen- joy lady, treats she taught herself to make.

Sarah Jane believed in Christian education, and she reached out to children in Montserrat who had to end their education in primary school and took them into her home so that they could attend the Seventh-day Adventist School in Antigua.

She had an open loving heart and a strong concern for the advancement of others. She’s described as not just a mother but a close friend, her children’s confidante, a motivator, a teacher, and an example of a true Christian.

Credit: https://antiguaobserver.com/author/jennelsa-johnson/

Sunrise:  26 September 1944 (Parham Town, St Peter's, Antigua)

Sunset:  14th March 2025 (Boston, MA, USA)

Funeral Service:   

St Mark's Episcopal Church

73 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02121

Date:  Friday, 4th April 2025

Time:  11AM - 12 Noon

Video Link: 

Services provided by Floyd A. Williams Funeral Home, Inc.

490 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA 02125, USA

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Angela Rosetta “Doreen” Matthews, who departed this life on March 14, 2025.

Doreen was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and fierce love—a woman who led with an iron fist when it came to protecting her family and stood unapologetically firm in her beliefs.

Born on September 26, 1944, in Parham Town, Antigua, W.I., she migrated to Boston, MA, in 1990. Doreen was a force to be reckoned with—fiercely independent, bold, and unmistakably herself. She didn’t take nonsense from anyone, always speaking her mind with sharp wit and undeniable wisdom. Her strength echoed through both her words and her actions, as she worked tirelessly to ensure her loved ones were safe, supported, and cared for.

To her family, she was far more than a matriarch—she was a protector, a provider, and a guiding light. She taught us the value of resilience, honesty, and loyalty. Her love, though tough at times, was always genuine. Her unwavering dedication to family was a powerful reflection of her heart.

Doreen leaves behind a legacy of courage and unwavering love, carried forward by her children: Andrea Edwards, Donna Matthews-Jeffrey, Sharon Edwards, Kelvin Edwards, Naomi Edwards, and Jason Barnes; eleven (11) grandchildren, sixteen (16) great-grandchildren, and two (2) great-great-grandchildren, along with many other beloved family members who remain forever grateful for her sacrifices, her lessons, and her unforgettable spirit.

Her absence will be deeply felt, but her love and the values she instilled in us will remain eternal. May she rest in peace—free from pain, watching over us with the same fierce strength and grace that defined her life.