Rema Virgo

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Rema Virgo, who peacefully departed this life on September 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, compassion, and service.

While we mourn her absence, we give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for the many lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and devotion to others. Rema Virgo, born Rema Wright on September 6, 1937, was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by faith, love, compassion, and service to others. She was born in Rock Spring, Trelawny, Jamaica, West Indies, to her mother, Iris Reid-Edwards, and her father, Leopold Wright.

Rema was one of seven children, with three sisters and three brothers. On July 18, 1965, she married the late Vincent Virgo, with whom she shared a life filled with love, family, faith, and devotion. Together, they were blessed with six children: five daughters, Sonia, Pauline, Ruth, Debbieann, and the late Ileen, and one son, the late Fitzroy. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and were a treasured part of her life.

Rema was a devoted Seventh-day Adventist Christian whose faith in God guided every aspect of her life. She was baptized on November 1, 1964, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service. In 1972, she began serving as a Bible Worker with the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Throughout her years of ministry, she faithfully served in many capacities, including as Personal Ministries Leader and Secretary, Community Services Leader, Family Life Director, and Sabbath School Teacher.

For Rema, faith was more than a belief—it was a way of life. She demonstrated her love for God by serving and caring for others. Her ministry reached far beyond the walls of the church and into the community. She helped build a community centre at Clark's Town Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny, Jamaica, and devoted herself to caring for and feeding the sick and shut-in. Every Thursday, she provided lunches to schoolchildren, giving generously of her time and resources. She had a special heart for the poor and those in need and never hesitated to lend a helping hand, even when it meant giving from the little she had.

Rema was also renowned for her extraordinary hospitality. Her home was affectionately known as “Come to Help Us,” because it was a place of welcome, warmth, and comfort, where family members, friends, church members, neighbors, and community residents could always find an open door and a caring heart. She had a special way of making everyone feel as though they belonged and were part of her family. She was a gifted cook, and food was one of the many ways she expressed her love. Whether preparing a meal for family, feeding a friend, or offering food to someone in need, she gave generously and wholeheartedly.

Rema will be remembered as a devoted, God-fearing woman who faithfully spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through her words, ministry, service to others, and, most importantly, through the example of her life. Her unwavering faith inspired those around her, her compassion touched countless lives, and her willingness to serve left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She lived her faith by putting love into action and showing others what it meant to serve God by serving His people.

Rema leaves to cherish her precious memory her sister, Agatha “Ernie” Griffiths; her daughters and sons-in-law, Sonia Harris-Dixon; Pauline Campbell and her husband, Winston Campbell; Ruth Bingham and her husband, Calvin Bingham; and Debbieann Virgo.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and their spouses: Suzette Small-Belle and her husband, Newton Belle; Tashmania Small-Pennicott and her husband, Wayan Pennicott; Jodian Channer and her husband, Delmonte Channer; Chantal Smith and her husband, Tarvern Smith; Javauhni Jeremie and his wife, Monique Jeremie; Lavaughn Jeremie; Tiana Clarke and her husband, Chevan Clarke; and Monique Kepple.

Her memory will also be treasured by her great-grandchildren: Toni-Ann Whylie, Arianna Pennicott, Giovanni Belle, Adam Smith, Sienna Belle, Rhishae Pennicott, Logan Channer, Ava Clarke, Layla Channer, Abigail Smith, and Alaina Clarke.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces, Moureen Munroe-King, Sharon Munroe-Brown, Nadine Munroe-Steele, Nerine Munroe-Moulton, and Nisa Munroe; her aunts, Celestina “Tina” McFarlane and Telta “Peppita” Codling; her uncle, Sanchez Codling; and a host of cousins, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.

Rema also leaves to cherish her memory many dear family friends who held a special place in her heart and whom she lovingly embraced as part of her own family. To Rema, family was not defined only by blood, but by love, kindness, faith, and the bonds created through a lifetime of caring for others.

Though our hearts are heavy with the loss of a remarkable woman, we give thanks for the life she lived, the love she shared, the prayers she offered, the meals she prepared, the lives she touched, and the many ways she served God and humanity. Her earthly journey has come to an end, but the legacy she leaves behind will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and the countless people whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton East Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 203 Bell Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Mount Hamilton Cemetery, located at 260 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, Ontario.

Having fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith, may she rest peacefully, awaiting the glorious resurrection morning when Christ returns and calls His faithful children home.

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com