Adassa Junaid

Adassa was a loyal friend and confidante known for her wisdom, insight, faith, and wonderful sense of humour. She was an authentic and genuine person who laughed easily, cried openly and sang joyfully.

She was blessed with six children: Glen, Adiat Fae, Leila, Bushra, Ayoka, and Richard; thirteen grandchildren: Nolan, Theo, Paul Power, Alric, Cardell (Yolanda), Marsha, Patricia, Chevanne (Jeffrey), Wakeene, Courtney, Ian (Sheika), Andrea, Donavon, and Fitzroy (Lorraine); twenty-six great grandchildren: Alexander, Christopher, Alyssa, Alexandrea, Imani, Omari, Christian, Ianna, Trecia, Kimberly, Roxan, Ricardo, Amare, Shawn, Sabrina, Nadja-Keene, Roshae, Lauren, Khori, Khristian, Vallance, Darian, Caelyn, Cardell Jr., Lauren, Michael; and, eleven great great grandchildren: Alexia, Zion, Mya Angelique, Adriel, Carlos, Jhenua, Jamar, Shaniya, Sherry, Shannon, Shane. Her legacy will continue.

Adassa immigrated to Montreal in the late 1950s. There she met and married Ayodele Junaid. They moved to St. John’s, NL in the 1960s.

Adassa lived in NL for more than 50 years where she made many close friends and built a strong community. Her generosity, deep sense of empathy, and compassion toward others was legendary. She took into her home strangers and friends in need and provided comfort and care to sick and dying individuals and their families.

Adassa was a fabulous cook and through her food and storytelling she connected her children to their Jamaican heritage. There was always a pot of soup ready for the unexpected guest, and she was quick to prepare one to drop off to someone ailing, no matter how inclement the weather. She was a creative homemaker, talented seamstress, and quiltmaker, among other handicrafts.

Adassa’s Christian faith guided her service to church and community. She started and ended each day with devotion and prayer. She was actively involved in Faith Bible Chapel and West End Baptist Church in St. John’s.

Adassa passed away at home with the comfort and loving care of family, personal support workers with whom she had formed positive relationships, and a palliative team of nurses and doctor. It is fitting that Adassa was so well-supported at home after spending her working life taking care of others.

The Junaid, Gabbidon, and Graham families would like to thank the supportive friends, members of her circle of care made up of medical professionals and caregivers, and organizations that brought joy into her life. In lieu of flowers we ask you to donate to the organizations they represent or to a charity of your choice.

West Neighbourhood House https://www.westnh.org

Recollectiv https://www.recollectiv.ca

Smile Theatre https://smiletheatre.com

Mt Sinai https://www.sinaihealth.ca/areas-of-care/palliative-care

Women's College Hospital https://womenscollegehospitalfoundation.com

Virginia Park Community Centre https://virginiapark.ca

Private cremation will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at St. James Cemetery & Crematorium.

The family is planning a celebration of Adassa’s life to take place at a future date and will notify relatives and friends once details are confirmed.