Ivy May Gidden

Ivy May Gidden - an accomplished seamstress, nursing assistant, a mentor to many, and a friend to all. Ivy was born October 10, 1926 in Kingston, Jamaica to parents Alty McKenzie and Catherine Taylor. As a teenager she grew up around thoroughbred horse racing with her famous dad aka “Trainer” Mckenzie; she was his first child and only daughter. Her father was an inductee in the Jamaica Hall of fame of thoroughbred racing. Her brother, jockey David “Scorcher” McKenzie was also inducted in the Hall of fame of thoroughbred racing in 2017. The McKenzie family’s name is synonymous with horse racing and breeding in Jamaica today. Ivy attended Jericho primary school in St Catherine and subsequently moved back to Kingston to attend high school and further her education.

On February 7, 1959 she married Herbert Gidden. They shared the same goals for building theirs lives and raising a family. By 1966 the family migrated to the USA, (Bronx, New York). They were both employed by the NYC Health & Hospital Corporation; she worked at Goldwater Memorial hospital and he worked at Lennox Hill hospital. After some 20+ years of working, they retired and made sunny South Florida there official residence. Her almost 30 years in Florida were filled with an expanding family, friends, and her church home, Jesus Compassion Ministries. As with all things, time is constant and God is always in control. At the blessed age of 93 she was called home. She is survived by her loving husband Herby and two devoted sons.

She will forever be remembered for her very spirit, selfless acts, amazing cooking and baking and all the love she gave to others.

To carry on her memory and legacy, she leaves her husband of 61 years, Herbert, two sons: Ralston (Vivien) and Stanford (Monica), sisters: Pat and Thelma, who preceded her in death, brothers: David and Altamonte, Tony, Alphonso, Donald, and Fitzroy, who all preceded her in death. 6 grandchildren: Dave (Jackie), Nikki, Sydene, Jeffrey, Tiffany and Brittany. 8 great-grandchildren: Justin, Jonathan, Jason, Tamia, Tyler, Tailyn, Jayden, and Tahj, 1 great-great grandchild, Jayden and beloved goddaughter, Anna (Warren). She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.