Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and celebrate the life of an
extraordinary woman, our beloved Mama. She was more than just a grandmother; she
was the cornerstone of our family, the one who raised us, nurtured us, and loved us
unconditionally. From Jaman Mamoo, who is now 57, to little Sameer, who is almost
3, Mama was the heart and soul of our family.
Mama was the best grandmother anyone could ask for. She did everything we asked for
if she could, and especially for me, her youngest grandchild. Now, I might be a bit
biased here, but I'm convinced she liked me the most—though, of course, I'm saying
that with a bit of sarcastic snark.
She did far more for me than she was ever obliged to do. When I was just 3 years
old, back in 2011, the year Papa passed away, my mom started attending UWI. During
that time, I spent many nights with Mama. Those nights were special, a routine that
became our own little tradition. By 5 PM, we would bathe, and then we would sit
together to watch TV. If I was lucky, and if Mama let me stay awake, we would watch
the news. But most nights, by 6 PM, she had already put me to sleep. And the next
morning, I would wake up around 4 AM to find her already awake and cooking.
Speaking of cooking, I’m really going to miss Mama’s fry ochro, fry aloo, and fry
baigan. And honestly, no one could fry an egg like Mama. I remember she used to lie
and tell me that the fry baigan had no saltfish—it almost always did—so I had to
inspect it before eating. And Christmas! Every year without fail, Mama would cook a
feast for everyone by 8 AM. A whole spread with aloo, duck, chicken, all the works.
Indira will have to carry on this tradition now.
Mama did so much more than just cook and take care of us. Before school restarted
every term, she would give me a general cleaning, or as she called it, a "scrub
down." If you could see the things she tried to use to make me whiter—saffron,
bush, baking soda—every term, it was something new. And when I say general
cleaning, I mean everything from head to toe. Every time Mom dropped me off at
school or picked me up, Mama came along just to be there.
During COVID, me, she, and Shuge must have gone to Royal Castle at least 100 times.
Without fail, she was at every one of my birthday celebrations, except my last one,
on Sunday, May 25th, two weeks ago, and I missed her so much.
When Mama called and you didn't pick up, she would call Mommy. If Mommy didn't pick
up, she would call Kylan, and then try my phone again. Mama treated everyone in our
family the same way she treated me—as her children. But as we grew up and got our
own lives, we all got different talks. Nikki, Nicholas, and Tissha got the same
talk over and over for years: "When allyuh guh married?"
Mama was the strongest woman I know, and her words were even stronger. Her hands
too. I remember learning my times tables—if I didn’t get it right, there’d be
quarrels, and I’m happy she did that. My life’s motto is "per aspera ad astra"—
through hardships to the stars—and that’s what she wanted for me: the stars. She
wanted to see me succeed. I wouldn’t even be halfway through the term, and she’d
already be asking, “When is the test?” I promise to make you proud, Mama.
You grew this family from nothing, and now look at how successful everyone is—your
children and grandchildren. And we know your great-grandchildren will be too, Mama.
Rest in peace, dear Mama. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we
will cherish your memory forever. We will carry your love with us always and strive
to honor your memory in all that we do.
With all our love,
Your Family
