Marilyn Vandynne Reid Sealy was born in Cave Hill, St Michael, Barbados on September 16, 1931. She was second of 5 children born to Claris and Clarence Reid. She is predeceased by her husband Royd and her four siblings.
Her mother Claris died when Marilyn was merely three years old, and she and her 4 siblings were care for by their Grandmother Louise Reid. Fitzpatrick Reid her Grand Father went off to work on the Panama Canal. Her father was a renowned Taylor and spent most of his time at his workplace. He too died at the early age of 42.
Marilyn and her siblings grew up in a Christian environment where attendance at Church and Sunday school were mandatory. She also made sure that her 4 children Elvin, Carl, Owen and Grace, followed a similar path.
Economic life in Barbados in the 50s was difficult and our father Royd, took the opportunity like many young men to emigrate to the UK where work was easy to find, and wages were attractive. He spent 5 years there and then moved to the US. The family followed a year later. They lived in Queens, New York for 27 years but moved Clearwater Florida in 1994 to a more temperate climate.
It was in the US that Marilyn was able to achieve many of her dreams. She got a college education and was able to better take care of her family. The Church and her strong belief in God were always her guiding light. She developed a circle of Christian friends that will remain with her forever. Many of them are here today.
Marilyn was a very busy woman; she was an active member in her church and prayer group. For many years she travelled to CFO (Camps Farthest Out) events and even took a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. She kept a prayer line every Friday morning with family and friends. She even took up Piano in her senior years and encouraged her grands and great grands to play too!
Despite living in the US for 52 years, Barbados was never far from her thoughts. With the advent of the computer and social media she was able to stay in the know about what was happening in the land of her birth. When we spoke a few weeks before it was apparent that she was very ill, she said with a sad voice,” I don’t think I will be coming to Barbados for Christmas”. I dismissed the comment, but she knew how she felt.
Marilyn loved her children and always wanted them to give of their best. We tried! The loss of her only Daughter Grace was devastating, and she never got over it. Her granddaughters Jessica and Lauren only partially filled the gap. Mum had a special love for all her 9 grandchildren and 6 great grans, and they loved her in return. But it is more accurate to say she loved her entire family. She wanted the best for them and was always there to assist whenever needed.
In conclusion, we must make a special mention of the Nurses and Doctors from Suncoast Hospice who were exceptional in proving their care and attention. I must also mention Bernadette, Carl’s wife, who came out of retirement to give Mum the care that only a professional nurse could provide. She was ably supported by Lauren who relocated from NY to be with Gran in the final weeks. Carl as usual was ever present and untiring in his support.
We thank you all!
We will miss her but as she would always remark “God knows best”.
A visitation for Marilyn will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759
A committal service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Sealy family.
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