The presence of friends and family celebrating Christina’s life will help ease the burden of our loss, and her absence on such a sorrowful occasion.

Christina Alexandrina White, lovingly referred to as (mum) by her children and “Baby” by her mother and siblings.

Born to Walter Reginald and Ruby White of Plantation Moor Park in the country of Guyana, South America mummy haled from the region Mahaica-Berbice.

Mum’s parents were Rice and Livestock Farmers. Mum and her siblings had to assist their parents in tending to the farm whilst attending school.

Mum was the 3rd of 5 children, the eldest Sammy, Valery, Christina (Mum/Baby), Walter, and Iris. Mum is survived by her eldest and youngest sisters Valery and Iris respectively.

Mum took care of the ducklings and the chickens, even washing the ducklings before putting them to sleep! Mum also had a pet goat she was so attached to, wanting it to live in the house. In fact, mum snuck the goat into the house which was frowned upon given the goat wasn’t house trained, and the inevitable bathroom accident took place on mums’ bed! Mum was so devoted to the animals and bird’s the family were convinced she would have become a vet.

Instead of becoming a vet, mum at a young age fulfilled her aspiration of becoming a nurse. Having completed her secondary education, left Guyana to further her nursing qualifications by joining her older sister Valery (Midwife) in England, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

As a qualified nurse Mum took pride in her vocation and worked tirelessly for her patients, mum would always return home with gifts in many forms from those whom she cared for such was the need to express their gratitude.  Mum was loved by her work colleagues, and everyone she came into contact with.

Mother married our dad Edric George Herman Harry 1964. Father passed away at the tender age of 49, on the birthday of our beloved brother Clifford. widowing mum September of 1983. Mother never re-married.

Mother had six children, Claudette, Carol, Christopher, Clifford Clyde and Charles. Our names beginning with the letter ‘C’ was no coincidence. One can imagine the unforeseen challenge and confusion, when we became of age receiving mail, C. Harry could apply to a potential 7 family members.

Mother has 15 grandchildren: Ruby, Robyn and Leah; children of Claudette. Arkel, Asha and Iman; children of Carol. Bianca, C’iar, Rhia. Cruz, Cydney and Kyro; children of Chris. Mya, daughter of Clyde. Lashaune, Aiyarna and Karlo; children of Charles and two Great Grandchildren. Jahmya and Jahsiah, children; of Lashaune

Mum’s passing (Feb 7th) fell 10 years (6^th February 2011) and a matter of hours after the anniversary of the passing of our beloved brother Clifford, and a day before her youngest son’s birthday (Feb 8th) Charles, and just 18 months (August, 19^th 2019) after the passing of our beloved sister Carol, a loss too many for a mother to endure.

Both our parents would not have known it at the time but both inherited sickle cell trait. There is a 25% chance that any child conceived may have sickle cell disorder (Anemia) and 50% chance they will have the trait. Clifford and Carol both suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia a lifelong blood disorder. A condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body, causing severe pain. Episodes both children had to withstand that impacts the life expectancy from 42-47 years. Clifford passed at the age of 39 and Carol aged 51.

Faith in our heavenly father was always at the forefront of our Mothers mind, teaching us to always be grateful humble and giving to others. The bible, and daily readings were mothers mind body and spirit. Mum would often cite bible verses as means of teaching us individually a lesson at that point in time or instance.

Our mother didn’t have it easy being a nurse, juggling the demands of her first 3 children just 13 months apart. Yet, rarely complained at the unenviable task. Mum always made time for us and others – be it family, neighbours, friends who came to visit mum for a chat.

Mum was a vibrant soul who lived and worked for her children, and gave tirelessly to others.

Mum despised waste and growing up, wasn’t a fan of pets though full of compassion. Often mum came home with patients untouched meals that would otherwise be disposed of, to feed the untamed cats of the neighbourhood, dishevelled cats not familiar with human contact would cry with anticipation, making unwelcomed contact with mum whist she lay out a feast of roast beef and gravy with trimmings.

We recollect fond memories as children of mum watching 70’s T.V. comedy programmes, Candid Camera, Mind, your Language and Carry or Films that caused mum to cry tears of laughter, we loved to see mummy chuckle, truly a sight for sore eyes.

Mummy used to love listening to music whilst she did her chores, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jonny Cash were a few of her favourites that come to mind. Mummy was so kind hearted she found it difficult to scold us when we were mischievous as children, her form of chastisement was to sit us down and listen to the lyrics played on the gramophone of “No Charge” by Tammy Wynette in the hope the message in the song would resonate with her children.

After 40 years of service mummy retired from nursing and took pleasure in taking care of her grandchildren and invaluable source of support for those of us returning to work.

It was an honour and pleasure when Carol and Claudette were able to take our mother on vacations to experience warm climates other than her native Guyana. Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St Lucia to name a few. Carol would put mummy through her paces by taking her on countless excursions allowing her to experience all of God’s beautiful creations, scenery, wildlife food and of course people. Mother was scared of heights, though to our astonishment mum won a bet with Claudette that she’d go paragliding over the Caribbean Sea at Negril. An amazing and tranquil experience that mum enjoyed.

Mum your absence creates a huge void in the lives of those of us you have left behind.

We continue on our journey in this life accepting the things we cannot change and change the things we can.

We draw comfort knowing you are in the hands of our heavenly father and give God thanks having been blessed with you as our Mother. We love you so much and will miss you more than words can say.