Ruby Rose Dalley

On December 29th, 1933, a baby girl was born to Mabel and Daniel Hessing in the quiet, rural town of Lambs River, Westmoreland, Jamaica. She was welcomed into a family of one brother and two sisters, which later grew to include three more sisters. Her name was Ruby Rose. She adored her siblings and they grew up tightly-knit and remained that way throughout their adult lives. Ruby was strong-minded and mischievous, but also nurturing and fiercely protective.

Ruby attended Kew Park School and later pursued Business Education at Cornwall Commercial Academy in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Soon after graduating she went to work at All Island Banana Growers Association in Cambridge, St James. Her time in Cambridge led to her meeting Allan Dalley, who was to become her husband of more than 53 years and with whom she would raise their four children. Allan passed away in April 2010.

After four years at All Island Banana Growers Association she was presented with an opportunity to work in her field of study as an accounting clerk for Fletcher and Company, a major insurance company in Montego Bay. Just a few years later she was promoted to supervisor in the Machine Accounting Department.

In 1978, at the height of Jamaica's political uncertainties, prudence dictated that Ruby and Allan move their family to the United States. They settled temporarily in Hartford, Connecticut where Ruby worked at Connecticut Mutual as a Remittance Analyst in the Customized Billing Department for nine months before relocating to Miami where she worked at Southern Wine and Spirits for over 15 years until her retirement in 1999.

Shortly after arriving in Miami, Ruby began attending Holy Family Episcopal Church where she would remain an active member for 37 years until her passing. A proud Anglican, she had a very strong religious conviction and delighted in serving and working in various capacities such as assisting on the counting team, making sleeping mats for the homeless, being involved in the Golden Circle and attending Friday morning Bible Study.

As Ruby's family expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nothing was more important than watching the younger generation grow and succeed. She took great pride in their scholastic and personal achievements, creating a "Graduation Wall of Fame" in her home office.

Unlike many of her generation, Miss Ruby (as she was called by many) stayed current with modern technology, joked that she was the oldest person on Facebook, where she posted daily inspirational quotes, and had over 200 friends. She loved playing Candy Crush on her iPad, which she recently upgraded to an iPad Air as she felt she had 'outgrown" the original one. Miss Ruby liked talking, both in person and on the phone, but was terrified of public speaking; she liked watching Dancing with the Stars; she was a hearty woman who enjoyed a good joke and could cook a serious pot of curried beef. Miss Ruby loved Christmas and made a point to make everyone around her feel special, whether it was making them rum punch, baking Jamaican fruit cake or giving gifts. Miss Ruby adored her extended family and always wanted to be kept updated with what was going on in their lives. In cases of illness, she was the first one at the hospital, lending a supportive ear and suggesting resources; she was involved.

Ruby Rose Dalley passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2016. She leaves a family shocked and saddened by her sudden passing, but inspired and made proud by her life of genuine humility, unconditional generosity and quiet accomplishment.

Beneficiaries of this legacy of inspiration and pride include sisters: Dorothy, Joyce, Enid, Yvonne and Ann; sister-in-law Hazel, children: Hyacinth (Vincent), Yvonne June (Brenton deceased), Hanif (Monzar) and Margaret Ingrid (Aristeus); grandchildren: Tricia, Kurt, Kearey (Alyssa), Greg, Tiffany (Cadien), Andrew, Shani, Aristeus Jr. and Zarif; great-grandsons: Conner and Bryce, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She will be missed. Her absence leaves a tremendous void.

May her soul Rest in Peace.

Visitation is 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2016, at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens, 6301 Taft St., Hollywood. Visitation continues from 10:00 - 11:00 am, Friday, April 8, 2016, at Holy Family Episcopal Church, 18501 NW 7 Ave, Miami Gardens with the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Family Episcopal Church in Ruby's memory.