Nalda Icylma Callender

Please click this link to view the Celebration of Life service.

https://funeraweb.tv/en/beloved/170438

It is with immense sorrow and admiration that we announce the passing of Nalda Icylma Perry-Callender, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and revered community leader. Nalda passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 1, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the age of 80.

Born on July 25, 1944, in St. John’s, Antigua, to mother, Millicent Beatrice Henry, and Father, Clarence Oliver Perry.

Nalda's journey from the West Indies to Canada was one of courage, determination, and unyielding dedication to her community. She arrived in Montreal for Expo 67 and quickly became immersed in the city’s vibrant Caribbean community. In 1980, Nalda moved to Vancouver, B.C. where she would go on to leave an indelible mark on the community, particularly through her leadership with the Congress of Black Women Chapter then the creation of the National Congress of Black Women Foundation (NCBWF), an organization she helped establish and nurture.

Throughout her life, Nalda worked tirelessly to challenge societal perceptions of people of African heritage and many others. Her rallying cry was always for a society where racial and ethnic-cultural differences do not determine one’s participation or access to resources. She believed in the power of community building and worked relentlessly to ensure that all individuals, especially Black, Caribbean Canadians, and those of the African Diaspora had a voice and equitable opportunities to thrive. She initiated countless programs—ranging from HIV/AIDS awareness to empowerment initiatives for youths, women, and families, all the while advocating for a more inclusive society.

Nalda was a guiding force in the lives of many, particularly her five children—Charles (Chancz), Tara, Keisha, Nyasha, and Maya and grandson, Jacob whom she raised with unwavering love and resilience. She always ensured they were connected to their heritage, instilling pride in their African roots through arts, education, food, music, religion, and community.

Her contributions went beyond advocacy; Nalda’s leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the NCBWF in 1992, where she served as the Executive Director and in other capacities, including Treasurer and Representative. Her dedication led to the successful campaign for the commemorative postal stamp in honor of Rosemary Brown and Abraham Doras, Shadd, and she was a founding member of the Rosemary Brown Annual Award for Women.

A pioneering community leader, Nalda dedicated her life to uplifting the Black and Caribbean communities across Canada. As a founder of the National Congress of Black Women Foundation, she worked relentlessly to foster equity, empowerment, and opportunity for marginalized groups. She was a pivotal force in combating homelessness and food insecurity for Black refugees, new immigrants, and other Black communities who were part of Hogan's Alley.

Nalda was a fierce womanist/feminist, a trailblazer for women’s rights, and an iconic figure for the Black community in Vancouver and beyond. A community leader, she worked across various sectors to build bridges between diverse cultural groups, and her work in areas such as health, education, and social services touched countless lives. She was also a vocal advocate for intergenerational communities such as women, men, seniors, and youths, always focused on creating spaces that would empower these groups to reach their fullest potential.

Nalda’s legacy is one of service, strength, and unwavering dedication. Her tireless efforts to promote societal change and uplift marginalized communities will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was, in every sense, a powerhouse—an activist, a mentor, and a matriarch whose impact cannot be overstated.

To know Nalda was to know a woman of deep vision and commitment. Her spirit was Talawa: strong, mighty, and resilient. She has left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the future for generations to come.

Nalda is survived by her five children, Charles (Chancz), Tara, Keisha, Nyasha, and Maya; grandson, Jacob; Sisters, Phyllis, Genevieve, Laura, Daisy, Janice; brothers, George, Reginald, Ian (Moshe), Walcott; Nieces, Michelle, Sharon, Darilyn, Colette, Lisa, Jennifer, Lisa, Mosi, Nneka, Nyameke (Meechi), Makena, Kwamei, Shaleese, Gillian, Learia, Zowie, Dahlia, Courtney, Shamika, Nicki; Nephews, Brian, Sean, Omari, Jermaine, Orson, Kody, Rix, Rolston, Lenart, Clarence, Cecil, Alex, Derrick.

Mother; Millicent Beatrice Henry (deceased), Father; Clarence Oliver Perry (deceased), Sister; Gloria (deceased), Brother; Monroe (deceased).

A Celebration of Life service was held at First Memorial Funeral Services, Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and cards, please make a donation to Simon Fraser University Scholarship Fund in honor of Nalda Icylma Perry Callender. The family will not be collecting funds directly.

Please click on both the landing page and giving page below.

SFU Landing Page - https://give.sfu.ca/ways-to-give/fund/nalda-icylma-perry-callender-scholarship

SFU Giving Page - https://donate.sfu.ca/page/163375/donate/1?transaction.dirgift=Nalda%20Icylma%20Perry%20Callender%20Memorial%20Fund&transaction.othamt2=NALIPCALMEM