When the news spread that Miss Chin had died suddenly it was not just her family members that were saddened and in disbelief, people from all walks of life in and around Claremont were visibly shaken and were eager to recount the moments when this lady had touched their lives. It will take a long time for many in Claremont, St Ann to stop talking about Miss Chin and the many ways she impacted their lives.

Angella Marie Gordon was affectionately called Ms Chin by the people of Claremont, but to those who knew her since she was a child, she was Moy, a term of endearment. She was loving and caring, generous and wise. She did not have to know the person to whom she would extend kindness. She was a very good judge of character and usually her actions showed empathy. She rarely complained, instead she tended to be optimistic. She was a unique problem solver. It seemed as if there was no problem too big for her to solve.

For 21 years Angella Marie Gordon was the devoted wife of Grover Gordon, former Parish Councillor. In the words of her husband:

“She was a special gift from heaven

Just a rare gem which the Lord had given”

Angella Marie Gordon passed from this world peacefully, and without saying goodbye, on August 19, 2016 leaving a void in the lives of the many people that she had encountered. She was totally unselfish, she did everything for everybody and did not ask for anything in return. These sentiments were reiterated in the tributes paid to her at the prayer services and subsequent funeral service held for her. She made us think about our mission in life to make life easier, to think nothing of serving, and just to ensure that others are happy.

Angella Marie Gordon was born on December 1, 1965 in St Andrew. Jamaica, and spent most of her life at 14 Annette Crescent where she grew up. From an early age she was ‘christened’ Moy and most people knew her by that name. She was the youngest of her sisters and the favourite child of her mother. She attended New Day School and Excelsior High. Her favourite subjects were Math and Accounting, for which she attained GCE ‘O’ Levels. She also liked doing craft, baking and cooking. She conducted business and often was the spokesperson for her mother. Moy was a quiet, gentle soul who always seemed to know easier and better ways of getting things done. She understood the differences in people and taught us how to love, show approval, and find good qualities in everyone. She and Grover Gordon were married on August 6, 1995. They then moved to Claremont where she helped Grover in his business. For 21 years they lived happily as they complemented each other.

Moy became involved in the Claremont community and forged strong bonds with many individuals and groups. She was a member of The Holy Spirit Catholic Church which she attended regularly. She learned art and craft and winemaking at the Claremont Senior Citizen Club where she was a member. In turn she taught the members of the 4H Clubs and senior citizens groups in the area. On a number of occasions, she judged the 4H Club craft at Ferncourt High School. Occasionally she sold wines, art and craft to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and had her work displayed at Denbigh.

Moy had a photographic and accurate memory which kept her in demand by all her family members who used her as their ‘personal computer’ by simply ‘asking Moy’. She left a lasting impression and cherished memories on all whom she met. Her nephew, Kamani, regarded her as his second mother, teacher and playmate. He is bravely trying to cope with her absence. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Grover, members of the Gordon family, especially Kamani, Corey, Tiffany, Tavari and their parents, Monia and Colin Gordon, her God children, Kamani and Makeda, her sisters and brother in law: Yvonne, Doreen, Dawn, Carole and Patrick, nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Known in Claremont as Ms Chin, Angella interacted with many residents and treasured her friendship with Deacon and Mrs Guy Ritchie and their family. Although hurricane Matthew was threatening to hit Jamaica within a day of her funeral service, the church was full, and friends and family from Kingston attended. Chief among the mourners were Dr Nadia Williams, Dr Carolyn Hayle, Ms Hyacinth Allen, Ms Hazel Keating, Ms Gloria Maragh, Mrs Avis Palmer and family. Also in attendance were the former High Commissioner to London, Her Excellency Aloun Assamba, Councillor Lambert Weir, Councillor for Claremont, Mr Howard Isaacs, President of The Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Rev Barrington Litchmore, Superintendent Minister of the Beachamville-Bensonton Methodist Circuit of Churches, Deacon Guy Ritchie and family from the Holy Spirit Church, Rev Fr Howard James of Moneague Catholic Church and Ms L Williams, Organizer of the Council for Senior Citizens in St Ann.

In order to accommodate the many mourners, a Catholic service was held in the Beachamville Methodist Church in Claremont. The celebrant for the service was Rev Fr Beda Martirez of the Diocese of Montego Bay. Her funeral service which was held on October 1st was truly ecumenical with Rev Barrington Litchmore of Beachamville Methodist Church paying tribute then saying a prayer, and the music and hymns were provided by a combined Catholic and Methodist choir. Among those paying tribute were her sister, Dr Carole Burgess- Fongsam, Mrs Valerie White (Ms Dimple), representatives of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, and the Senior Citizens Club. The St Ann Steel Orchestra led by Angella’s husband, also paid tribute with a medley of songs.

Angella has blessed and enriched our lives. She was a seasoned traveller, accomplished cook, excellent photographer and loved to shop. When shopping in the USA she could always find the exact item required and at the best price. She seemed to have a natural talent when it came to electronics and often experimented on the computer. She enjoyed singing and often sang with great passion. Her favourite hymn was: My God is Awesome.

Lord, thank You for having given us such a precious gift in the person of Angella.

We loved her dearly but Lord You loved her more.

Rest in peace, Angella.