In loving memory of Dianne Bartholomew, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, mentor, friend, catalyst and tireless advocate for education and lifelong learning and development.

Mrs. B as she was affectionately known enjoyed multiple careers in her all too short sojourn here with us. She started as a teacher in the now defunct “Osmond Girls High School.” Mrs. B left teaching to work at the Water Department, which was a fore runner to the formation of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) in 1965. Where Mrs. B enjoyed a career spanning over thirty (30) years in various roles as supervisor, manager, and senior manager.

During her early WASA career she became active in the Public Services Association (PSA) as a trade unionist, and simultaneously in the Co-Operative Movement. Mrs. B went on to serve in multiple positions in what was the WASA Employee Credit Union. This saw her venturing unto the Regional and International stages, representing Trinidad & Tobago as a delegate at the Caribbean Conference of Credit Unions (CCCU) at various conferences in the Caribbean (Grenada, Jamaica, the Bahamas etc.) and further afield in Australia.

In her post WASA career she returned to teaching at Cipriani College of Labour and Co-Operative Studies and the College of Science Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad & Tobago (COSTAAT). Teaching in the areas of Human Resources (HR), Labour Relations (LR) and Organizational Development (OD) serving as Head Lecturer as an adjunct lecturer. This tenure provided a foundation for many of her students for promotion, and to read for their baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Mrs. B also enjoyed a career as a caterer cooking up many sumptuous “Trini sweet hand food” dishes for her home-based business. She was an avid pan lover and supported both WITCO Desperadoes and BP Renegades calmy stating they were “both from behind the bridge, so all ah we is one family.” She was a key member of the “Golden Girls” a group comprising of Aunty Ros (Rosalind St. Hill), Aunty Merlene (Merlene Phillip) Lidia Sealy and Cherly Richards ably transported by Mr. Junior in his maxi-taxi. During their social outings they frequented several Church Harvests, and “Big People Parties” during the Carnival season.

She will continue to be a source of inspiration through her scope of influence and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience and her quick wit and listening ear. As we mourn the loss of our mother and family matriarch let us celebrate her life and the positive influence she had on others. Her memory will be forever cherished, and her spirit will live on through her “B’isms sayings” and through the many individuals she touched.