Shanta Persaud

Shanta Persaud of Grove, Guyana was born on April 21, 1948, and was the daughter of Bhagwat and Sewranie Persaud. Her sunset was on April 6, 2023, in her beloved state of Florida, surrounded by her family. She had a full life filled with much love and was a family woman that was the glue holding the extended bond together. She leaves behind her four children - Harry, Shan, Vicky, and Anita Persaud - along with her two brothers: Hardat and Rex, nephews, nieces, two sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of her extended family who will carry on her name and legacy. One of her proudest family moments was being able to surround herself with all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were all her greatest pride and joy.

Her fondest childhood memory was the time her father walked her to her first day of school. All dressed up; holding his hand; and talking to him, she skipped in joy. She overcame many obstacles throughout her life. In the early 70s, she moved from Manhattan to Long Beach, NY to give her children a better life. Prior to her living in America, she migrated from Guyana in the late 60s and was one of the first Indians to live in Long Beach where she purchased her first family home on Fulton St.

She got married at a very young age and although she didn’t receive a higher education, she was a warrior! She was a self-taught and self-made woman entrepreneur who had so much pride in herself for having run her own liquor store and candy store. While also once working as a bank teller, owning various rental properties across the East Coast, and pursuing one of her earliest ambitions in becoming a CNA. She was very compassionate and wanted to pursue a career where she could always help others. Her curiosity for the world led to her passion for always wanting to know more. This trait of hers made her the stunningly strong, independent woman she was.

She always tried her best to stay faithful as a devout Brahmin Hindu. Whenever she saw the sunrise or sunset she prayed to Surya Narayan (the God of the Sun). This was one of the things that made her smile most along with anything colorful and bright, driving through the countryside, traveling to different places, and the NYC theater to see Broadway plays. She loved listening to Indian Bhajans, Reggae, Classical music, and Bollywood songs. She loved walking, exercising, playing games, going to the beach, and walking on the boardwalk in Long Beach. She was a big fashionista and a trendsetter, known for always looking so chic and how much she loved to shop and get dressed to go out. Most importantly, she loved her freedom and her family.

If there’s anything to remember about Shanta Persaud it’s the fact that she built and rebuilt her life with absolute grace. The strength, resilience, and beauty she held rippled volumes in the ocean of family and love she has created. She will always be loved and remembered for the loving mom, sister, poowah (aunt), nanee, grandma, and great grandmother she was. She was a bright light in the Persaud family and her light will never be dimmed. So as she once said, when we see a butterfly or a dove, know that it is her watching over us all.

A visitation for Shanta will be held Monday, April 10, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:30PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734. A witness cremation will occur Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 11:30AM to 12:00PM at Woodlawn Crematory, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Persaud family.