AKA Rosie: A Beacon of Love and Strength
Virginia Charles, affectionately known as Rosie, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and resilience. Born and raised in Tunapuna, she became a beloved figure in her community and family, known for her warm heart and unwavering strength.
Rosie dedicated much of her life to her work at Carib Glassworks, where she held the position of Charge Arm. Her commitment to her job was a testament to her hard-working nature and her determination to contribute meaningfully to her workplace. Her colleagues remember her as a reliable and dedicated worker who always gave her best.
Rosie’s personal life was rich with love and family. She was married to Kirby Charles, with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Steve, Ann-Marie, and Janet. As a mother, Rosie was nurturing and supportive, always putting her children’s needs first. Her home was a place of warmth and love, where family values were instilled and cherished.
Her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother brought her immense joy. She was blessed with grandchildren, including Karen Charles, Kerwin Charles, and Marc Cockburn. Rosie adored her grandchildren and took great pleasure in spending time with them, watching them grow, and celebrating their achievements. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren as well, making her the cherished matriarch of a large and loving family.
Rosie had a special bond with her siblings, Gregory, Emmanuel, and Celina John Pantaleon. She was the peacemaker and the glue that held the family together, always ensuring that family ties remained strong. Her siblings remember her as a caring and loving sister, always ready with a kind word and a helping hand.
Rosie’s parents, Mahabal and Effie John, played a significant role in shaping the compassionate and strong woman she became. She carried their teachings and values throughout her life, passing them on to her own children and grandchildren.
Family gatherings were a highlight in Rosie’s life. She particularly enjoyed Christmas and Easter family lunches, where she would bring everyone together to celebrate and create lasting memories. These traditions were a testament to her deep love for her family and her commitment to keeping family bonds strong.
Rosie was also a lover of dogs, and her pets were a cherished part of her life. Her gentle and caring nature extended to her furry friends, who brought her joy and companionship.
In her community, Rosie was known for her deep love of family and her role as a peacemaker. She was a matriarch who led by example, demonstrating the importance of love, unity, and resilience. Her home was always open, and she welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm smile.
Virginia Charles, AKA Rosie, leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication. Her life was a testament to the power of family and the importance of nurturing and supporting those we love. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rest in peace, Rosie. Your life was a shining example of love and dedication, and you will always be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.
Celebrating the Life of Kirby Charles
Sunrise: 29th June 1936 / Sunset: 5th November 2024
Good morning and welcome to the Celebration of Life of Kirby Charles. I am Ann Marie Charles-Brewster his daughter. Firstly, we thank you for coming to the service in person as well as family and friends online. For those reaching out to us offering words of comfort and consolation you made easier as we enter this new phase in our lives.
Today we say our final farewell to “Dada” as he was fondly called by all.
Duty, decency, reliability, honor, dignity, respect: these are all qualities that my father not only held in high esteem, but practiced every day during his time on this earth. He was a serious and disciplined man with a temper like any of us, but he could never resist the opportunity to have a good laugh with friends and loved ones.
My dad shared many memories – ones of his mother whom he loved dearly and who instilled those qualities in her children. His brothers Rudolph and Claudius both of whom grew up with him in Mayaro – Mafeking Village to be exact where they lived with their grandparents who nicknamed him “Buncy” and taught them to work hard, love, and sharing with neighbors. The brothers were brought up in the Catholic faith and attended Mass every Sunday walking 2 miles back and forth without fail at times with shoes that were too tight as that was no excuse not to attend Mass both his mother and grandmother would preach.
Dad began working at a very young age in a Tobacco plantation having to get up at 5am to catch his ride to work. He also worked with a tailor learning the trade (hence when I got married he refused to wear the tailor made suit and opted to purchase one). As times got harder his mum moved them to Port of Spain where she work and the boys had to assist. Both Rudolph and my dad found work whilst Claudius the youngest attended school.
My dad was hired to work at Carib Glass Works where he spent most of his life and retired as an Engineer with over 40 years of service. He also worked taxi between his shift to make ends meet. He met his love at Carib “Rosie” who he married. The rest is history as they worked and build a future together.
Dad had a full life and enjoyed his retired years working in his yard tending to his lawn, plants and fruit trees. He also assisted with taking his grands to and from school as well as after-school activities. He was always available to make copies, buy KFC for the class party as well as gained few additional adopted grands along the way.
When my mom passed in 2018, he lost his friend, his companion, his soulmate, his love. It took him awhile to adjust however, he tried his best to keep himself busy doing what he loved to do fixing everything in sight. A JACK OF ALL TRADES you name it he can fix it – even if it did not need fixing.
As the years pass his memory began to fail and this was a time which was not only painful for him but for us his family. We tried our best to keep make him comfortable and help him through this difficult journey. His final months were spent with caregivers and making new friends all who cared and showed him love. He fought a good fight and in his final moments he was surrounded by loved ones who prayed and we stayed with him until the end.
Dad we thank you for all the scarifies you made to ensure that we were always comfortable. The qualities you passed on and the memories shared will be treasured forever in our hearts until the we meet again. Rest In Peace Daddy.
