Ursula Brathwaite

Ursula Eloise Noreen Wilson was born on November 25th, 1933 in Surinam, Dutch Guyana. Sent to Georgetown, Guyana alone as a child, she later learned this was because she was darker than her siblings. Ursula yearned for family and of one day meeting any member of her immediate family from Surinam.

As a young adult, she worked in the market place to support herself. Meeting and marrying Eugene Brathwaite was marked by unconditional love and an unfailing devotion—something she missed as a child. Together they had a daughter Paulette (Patsy) and 5 sons: Eugene (Jr.), Leonard (Lenny-deceased), Patrick (Earle), Jason, and Collin.

Ursula’s life was guided by the principles of faith, fairness, love for family, and hard work.

In 1969, she migrated to the United States with her husband and children and lived in Brooklyn, NY. She found work as a sales clerk at Lerner’s Department Store. Determined to elevate herself and to provide for her family, Ursula next found work at the Beekman Hospital in Manhattan starting as a Dietary Aide. Next she studied and became a Nurse’s Aide, a position she retired from 25 years later.

In 1996, Ursula and Eugene retired to Florida and continued to enjoy their time together. While there, she studied and obtained her driver’s license, bought a car, and began driving. She also attended piano lessons and learned to play the piano. She then bought a piano to play and entertain at home. She would drive to the Indian River with fishing hooks in tow and fish for hours.

In 2003, she lost her partner and love of her life, Eugene. Ursula took solace in a community of friends, attending concerts, social events, and participating in daily morning walks. As her health deteriorated, she returned to New York to be closer to family, and she passed away quietly on Sunday, January 20th, 2019.

Ursula is survived by her daughter, Paulette; sons: Eugene, Patrick, Jason, and Collin; daughter-in-laws, Sharon and Charkmeeka Brathwaite; son-in-law, Mark Roberts; grandchildren: Joey, Christopher, Siobhan, Skimika, Chan’tel, Jason Jr., Jaquan, Jalen, Briyhonna, Sharod, Shaquille, Collin Jr., Marcus, Jayden, Joshua, and Amaya; great-grandchildren: Alana, Anaya, Adriana, and Leila; cousin, Lorna Cox; a nephew; and adoptive family and friends.