ForeverMissed
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November 6, 2023
Thinking of you always. Yesterday when I asked how she passes the night Pauline replied “Some say kill am, some say spare am”. I laughed fondly because we learned that from you. You thought us so much. Your memory lives on. Continue to rest in peace ❤️❤️

Still Missing you after 9 years. Continue to SIP Mom

November 7, 2021
Memorial Cards/By Andrew
They say there is a reason
9They say there is a reason,
They say that time will heal,
But neither time or reason,
Will change the way we feel.

For no one knows the heartache,
That lies behind our smiles,
No one knows how many times,
We have broken down and cried.

We want to tell you something,
So there won’t be any doubt,
You’re so wonderful to think of,
But so hard to be without.

We cannot bring the old days back,
When we were all together,
The family chain is broken now,
But memories live forever.

November 5, 2021
Continue to Rest in Eternal Peace Mummy. Continue to watch over us. Your second born need your prayers and healing.

5th YEAR MISSING YOU

November 5, 2017

I can't express how much you taught me,
So much I can't explain.
All the times I can remember,
Never once heard you complain.

So many hearts were broken,
The day God called you home.
It seems as though each one of us,
Were left to survive alone.

I know there was a reason,
That you had to leave.
To keep us in your watchful eyes,
So now in God I really do believe.

November 5, 2017

                                                                  Sending Love to Heaven. This is my 5th year missing you.

Gone but Never Forgotton

November 5, 2016

In the 4 years you have been gone so much has happened. I know you are looking down on us and know of everything that is happening. However, I would love to hear your voice and laughter every now and then. Family gatherings and celebrations continue just like you would want them to. Your presence is felt, but your seat is empty. You were the best mother, grand mother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend ever created by God. Your name is forever on our lips. We will always love you mommy. Continue to rest in peace. 

November 5, 2016

In my heart your memory lingers,
Always tender, fond and true;
There's not a day, dear mother,
I do not think of you.

4 YEARS WITHOUT YOU

November 5, 2016

A wonderful mother, woman and aid,
One who was better God never made;
A wonderful worker, so loyal and true,
One in a million, that mother was you.
Just in your judgment, always right;
Honest and liberal, ever upright;
Loved by your friends and all whom you knew
Our wonderful mother, that mother was you.
RIP MOM

November 5, 2014

Two years ago I got the news I knew I would hear someday, but never wanted to hear. She was 90 years old, had a long, fulfilling, joyful, satisfying, prosperous and God filled life. Yet I never wanted her to leave this earth for her eternal home. I think of her every day. Laugh and cry when I recall our wonderful times together and our conversations. Time is not healing this pain. I will forever love and miss her. The tears are still flowing. She was the best, and it thank God that she was my Mom. Thank you mommy for the wisdom, love and kindness you instilled in me. Rest in Peace. Love always.  Yvette

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN

April 12, 2014

Today my mom would have celebrated her 92nd Birthday. mom I miss you and continue to R.I.P.

Missing You Mommy

November 5, 2013

“She gave credence to the thought – ‘ Children are what the mothers are; no fondest father’s fondest care can so fashion the infant’s heart, or so shape the life’. – Thank you mommy”


 “ She was the perfect epitome of the thought –  ‘Children are what the mothers are; no fondest father’s fondest  care can so fashion the infant’s heart, or so shape the life’”.

MISSING YOU

November 5, 2013

It’s hard to believe it’s one year since we lost you
We knew it had to come there was nothing we could do
You were loved I think you knew this was so
But God wanted you and you had to go

Still Missing You

November 5, 2013
I feel a warmth around me like your presence is near, And I close my eyes to visualize your face when you were here, I endure the times we spent together and they are locked inside my heart For as long as I have these memories we will never be apart Even though we can speak no more your voice is always there, Because every night before I sleep I have you in my prayer. One year today you passed away mommy, but the ache in my heart makes it feel like yesterday. I will always love you. R.I.P.

Happy Mothers' Day

May 12, 2013
This is the first Mother's Day without you. I know you are here in spirit. Have a happy Mother's Day in heaven. I will forever love you. You were one of the best. Continue to RIP.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN MOMMY!

April 12, 2013

 I woke up this morning and wondered why I felt so out of it, then I remembered that today would have been Mommy's 91st birthday. The tears started flowing and would not stop. Mommy I miss you so much !!!
-I miss talking to you daily on the phone
-I miss you during those times when I need information about past relatives
-I miss calling you to find out which ingredient is better for certain creole foods
-I miss plaiting your hair every Sunday
-I miss seeing your face light up when we (your children) made fun of each other
-I miss calling you to find out about certain scriptures in the bible
    I can go on and on, I now realize that no matter how old you are, losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart knows.
   Ms. Vites, I thank you for my life.
Tomorrow is Jolly's 9th death anniversary-Yes! her favorite grandson. She was always so concerned about him and his illness.
   They are together in heaven. Rest in peace Mommy and Jolly!!
                    I love you both!

Letter to Mommy

April 12, 2013
Dear Mommy, It has been five months since you slipped away from us quietly. It seems like only yesterday. I still reach for my phone to call you every morning while driving to work. I sometimes carry on a conversation with you and imagine hearing you answering me. I think of you every day. Sometimes I cry and sometimes I laugh when I think of something funny that you have said in the past. I have several of your house dresses and night gowns that I wear often. They make me feel warm and comforted in the thought that you are near in spirit. Today is your birthday. The first one away from us. I know you are celebrating in heaven with daddy and all the others gone before. Happy Birthday. We love you and miss you. RIP. Love Yvette
April 12, 2013

Dear Mummy, how I miss celebrating your birthdays.I miss your smile. You always made sure you were the life of the party. Happy Birthday. R.I.P.

Happy Birthday Mummy.

April 12, 2013

Today would have been Mummy's 91st Birthday had she not been called to Higher Service. Not a day goes by without me remembering her in flash backs of our time together with her on the physical plain, her sharp wit and clarity at age 90yrs.She lived a good life, always surrounded by family and friends.She was much loved and respected. Mummy was a Lady, a Lady always know when to leave, she left on her own steam with no prompting from anyone, it was surprising but she made it less painful for us. This demonstrated her consideration for our feelings. We will be forever grateful to her for her love, nurturing and encouragement over the years. Rest in Eternal Peace Mummy. Much Love from #4 child,2nd daughter. Maisie.

November 22, 2012

                      EULOGY

 

VITA JOHANNA O’BRIEN

 

April 12, 1922 – November 05, 2012

 

 

It was Baron Pierre de Coubertin who philosophized – “We are not in this world to live our lives, but the lives of others. The greatest joys moreover, are not those we experience, but those we cause.” That was also the strong belief of my dear departed mother, the woman  whom we are gathered here today, to bid farewell, and there is no better way to begin a eulogy to someone who has touched the lives of so many.

 

Vita Johanna O’Brien nee Hannibal, known to so many with whom she had no blood ties as “Sister Vita”, was born in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara on April 12, 1922 to Eldeca Georgiana and Cleophas Hannibal. She was the first of nine children, four of whom pre deceased her. Those still with us are Mavis, Festus, Hewley and Bernice. She passed away quietly on Monday November 05, 2012.

 

Our dearly departed (whom I will hereafter refer to as Mommy), attended St Marks Scotts School and went on to learn sewing with Ms. May Solomon (Sister May).

 

On March 15, 1944, she married Ivor George Augustus O’Brien, a union which bore ten (10) children – Juliet, Dennis, Telbert, Maisie, Jacquelyn, Joan, Keith, Pauline, Cheryl and Yvette.

 

My. Dad was called to the great beyond in January of 1984, thereby ending a union of some forty (40) years.

 

There is an old saying, “God could not be everywhere at the same time, and he therefore made mothers”. Mommy certainly did not defy that saying, and time would not permit me to recite the catalogue of her many fine motherly qualities.

 

Mommy was one of the earlier “stay at home economists”- yes, we had a father who toiled to bring home the bacon and there his job ended. Her job thereafter was to mix that bacon with enough elastic to make it sufficient to meet the wants and needs of her large family. It was not an easy task but she always did it and many times with a smile.

 

We are always intrigued by her ability to keep us together as a family unit even during her period of immobility, it was indeed fascinating to see all of us (once available) assemble every Sunday after church at Pauline’s house, to hold what one friend describes as “Parliament.”

 

Which brings me to another of her qualities – she has always been a God fearing person. She firmly believed that a house without a roof would not be a different home than a family unsheltered by God’s friendship and the sense of being rested in his providential care and guidance. In this regard, she always made it her duty to ensure that her family took the right path. Perhaps she believed, like Edgar J. Hoover that “mothers and fathers who take their children to church never get into trouble.” Speaking about Church, while she tried her best to get us to church – on a scale of one to ten, I would give her an eight. One Sunday when she left for church myself and Maisie left with Winston , Winnick and the boys to race motorcycles at Timehri. I became involved in an accident and was taken to the Georgetown Hospital by a group of British Soldiers who were in Guyana at the time. While in the emergency theatre at the Hospital, the glass pane had a small scratch enabling me to see outside. The first face I saw through that scratch was my mommy’s. I shed a tear. Until this day, I am not sure whether it was a tear of emotion or embarrassment.

 

Mommy was one of a dying breed – dependability was another of her hallmarks. She was always particularly enthusiastic in whatever area she was involved. Even in her last days she was involved in garnering donations for Bethesda Congregational Church for the annual Congregational Group Rally. It was always a joy for her to learn that her church was victorious.

 

Mommy was an encyclopedia for information. She was also the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style. She always preferred to do things her own way, much to the chagrin of many.

 

She had her weaknesses, and the one that readily comes to mind, and the one that from time to time made her, her own “worse enemy”, was her rigidity, her stubbornness. When she took a position, it was a total waste of time trying to convince her otherwise.

 

She nevertheless, brightened the lives of many, and we certainly feel cheated that she had to leave. We however, are still mindful, that in life “we are born, we breathe, we mourn, we suffer and we die.” Yes, we are all born to die.

 

We are consoled by the fact that she attained the ripe age of ninety (90) years. In cricketing Jargon we would say “she batted well, she had a good innings, but got careless in the turbulent nineties.”

 

There is nothing better than having mommy with us but we are further consoled that she is welcomed somewhere else. With the passing of mommy, we have lost a mother, a sister, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a relative, a friend and the world has lost a good person.

Let us therefore be grateful for the life and work of this wonderful woman. Let our deep sense of lost be leavened with the yeast of thanksgiving and determination.

 

The Apostle Paul has told us that when all other virtues have gone – “faith, love and hope remain” – so let it be with mommy. The music may have ended, but the melody never dies. And as the psalmist puts it “weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

 

During our period of sorrow we need to remember the words of JR Miller – “The happiest, sweetest, tenderest homes, are not those where there has been no sorrow, but those which have been overshadowed with grief and where Christ’s comfort was accepted.” There is a blessing sent by God in every burden of sorrow.

 

It would be remiss of me if I do not publicly express sincere appreciation to Pauline, Clyde, Kerene and Kevin for the care and attention they so selflessly gave mommy over the last years of her life, as well as to her care givers – Allison, Simone and Becky.Not to forget Bernice who was by her side constantly.

 

The immortal Khalil Gibran in the final lines of his famous essay “The Beauty of Death” from his book – Treasury of Arabic writings said “Talk not of my departure with sighs in your heart, but close your eyes and you will see me with you for evermore.”

 

Yes, mommy would have wanted it that way, and that is the way it will be.

 

Farewell mommy, farewell, we really do not know, but choose a good place my mother, a place of peace, quiet, tranquility, law and order. For one day we will follow.

 

May light perpetual shine upon you, for you have at last found that place which passeth all understanding.

 

Our loss is certainly devastating but we have  to trust, and place our faith in God, and to seek solace from the intimate memories of the precious moments we shared with you.

 

We, her children, were fortunate to enjoy a mother’s love, affection and security, until adulthood, unlike so many who have lost theirs during childhood.

 

All that we are, or hope to be, we owe to our angel mother.

 

May her soul rest in peace!

 

 

Brooklyn, New York

November 18, 2012

Written and read By Ivor O'Brien 

GRATITUTE

November 22, 2012


My dear cousins, Dad-Hewley, Uncle- Festus, Aunts- Bernice and Mavis, Brothers and Sisters, other relatives,
Sorry that I cannot be in person with you at this sad time – a time of saying farewell to someone we love, someone who has touched our lives in unique ways.

It was indeed a privilege, and a blessing having an aunt who love the Lord and sought ways to walk faithfully with Him; Never allowing the adversities of life to impede or mar her dreams of a right relationship with Him.
Aunt Vita was a woman who stood up for what she believed and let it be known in whatever way was appropriate to her. She endeavoured to do what was necessary to ensure that there was transparency and fairness in whatever was under her watch. Her demonstration of simplicity radiated a an infectious light that surely made a difference in the life of those who had an encountered with her.

LifeA special light has gone out of this family but that light has gone to continue shining with the others in eternity where no evil or torment can touch her, where she is at peace. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith and now, there is laid up for her the Crown of Rightousness. .
A special light has gone out of this family but that light has gone to continue shining with the others in eternity where no evil or torment can touch her, where she is at peace. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith and now, there is laid up for her the Crown of Rightousness.
I give thanks to God for her life, her courage and strength, care and concern and the invaluable lessons learnt from her.

What we have experience and gained from her have helped us to become who were are today. Let us cherish the marks she has made upon our lives and ensure that her legacy of order, discipline, firmness, love for the Lord and transparency live on in and through us.
Let us be encouraged to know that, ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints’ 1Peter 116:15 . Our beloved is at rest , no more sorrow , no more pain, no more sickness and sadness and worry. Good Bye my dear aunt, Good bye, Goodbye , Good bye, May God’s perpetual be forever on you as you rest in His loving arms.

REV: EVADNE HANNIBAL /Paulette

A Tribute to Mummy.

November 16, 2012

With tears of sorrow we cry each day. In Angel's arm you were carried away. Our memories of love and laughter shall not fade, for inside our hearts you will always stay. We love and miss you Mummy. Rest in eternal peace.                   

American Idol

November 11, 2012

Mummy you were such a fun-loving person! You took part in all of our family activities (including our karaoke sessions) and participated from beginning to end! You never missed a beat!

Love you always,
Cheryl 
 

Modern Technology

November 10, 2012
My traditionalist mother embracing modern technology by playing a word game on the Kindle Fire.  She really enjoyed playing this game.

Embracing Modern Technology

November 10, 2012

Despite being from the "Veteran" generation, Mommy showed an eagerness to embrace modern technology.  As a girl, I grew up seeing her play solitaire (patience) on her bed using playing cards and here she is enjoying the same game on the computer (even though her hand was a bit heavy on the mouse).

Living in Rupununi

November 10, 2012

I grew up constantly viewing  this photograph, sitting with my mom on the bed and hearing her recall her life as a policeman's wife in Rupununi and moving around with the Amerindians on horseback.

Remembering you

November 8, 2012

Its now 1:44 am and I am here in bed,very far away....In Albania Europe Thinking of all the good times we had together, Wish I could have just walk into your room and see you smile, I walked over and hugged you,You always made me smile and always had stories to tell. I loved sitting with you and listen to the memories you had to share.

You showed us that life cant be all that bad there is always a light at the end of a tunnel,You were so strong,You had faith in us all,You had great sprit even if the day was dull.you weren’t just my Nan you were my best friend. I remember going shoping with you once a week, I remember we cleaning the yeard together, I remember we going to the "backdam" the farm to pick Mongos and orther fruits, I remember going to Bagotville on saturdays to get you your black puddy, I remember coming on friday nights to watch T.V........!

I am now sad and there is much pain, knowing I was in NY just over the summer,made every attempt to come see you, But it did not work out......I know you had to go, now I feel I'm alone but I know you're close.

I know your whispering hello to me ,when I see the sun shine I know you're happy, when I see that bright star I know that’s you watching down on us all and smiling now a beautiful angel watching over us all,Loosing you aunty Vita broke my heart and every day without a doubt I think of you and shed a little tear, for a Nan I loved so dear. You will for every be miss and will remain in my heart.

Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

 

Close Relationships

November 8, 2012
Your dexterous wit will haunt us long, wounding our grief with yesterday, your laughter is a broken song; And death has found you, kind and gay. We may forget those transient things, that made your charm and our delight, but loyal love has deathless wings, that rise and triumph out of the night. So, in the days to come, your name, shall be as music that ascends, when honour turns a heart from shame......O friends of friends!! - Siegfried Sassoon
November 8, 2012
A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we're together again

–Author unknown

November 8, 2012

When God saw you getting tired

When God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be He put his arms around you And whispered come to me. He didn't like what you went through And he gave you rest. His garden must be beautiful He only takes the best. And when we saw you sleeping So peaceful and free from pain We wouldn't wish you back To suffer that again. Today we say goodbye And as you take your final rest That garden must be beautiful Because you are one of the best.

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