Aurora Lyew

Aurora Louise Vassell was born on March 19, 1928, in Hanover, Jamaica to the late Lynnette Gayle and Ferdinand Vassell. She was the loving mother to the late Karl Stewart Martin (his wife Jean Martin).
Aurora was educated at Middlesex Primary school. In her youth, she and her older sister Delta worked as nannies in Montego Bay, JA. She then moved to Kingston, JA where she gave birth to her son Karl and worked for 10 years in the Hanna Shoe Factory. She worked hard to give Karl, her only child, a good education at St. George's College and the opportunity to join Scouting which allowed him to leave Jamaica and travel the world.
Along with younger sister Lucille and close friend May "Tiny" Robertson, Aurora left Jamaica in 1967 for Hartford, Connecticut where she took a job as a domestic helper for a wealthy family. As a natural caregiver, Aurora's loving and kind spirit endeared her to everyone she met. Aurora moved to Springfield, Massachusetts for a job at Springfield Municipal Hospital where she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. With hard work and loving care, she bought and renovated a home that would become the most beautiful house on Bristol Street. A brilliant baker and cook, Aurora was host to many family and social gatherings. On one occasion, she had the opportunity to meet a man who changed her life. His name was Noel Lyew. They fell in love and were married on July 28, 1984. Even after she retired from the hospital, Aurora continued to care for others by returning to her nanny roots as a volunteer classroom grandmother at Homer St. Elementary School. Longing for the sunshine and warm climate of her home country, after retirement, Aurora and Noel moved to Sunrise, Florida where they found a beautiful home that they enjoyed together for 15 years. In October 2021 Aurora and Noel moved back to Springfield to be closer to family and friends. Aurora was a devout Christian; both she and Noel were active members of Springfield Park Memorial Baptist Church and the Episcopal Church of Atonement in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Aurora inherited her father's beautiful singing voice which she shared with others as a member of the church choir. You could often overhear her singing a church hymn or popular tune around the house. She loved traveling, dressing well, and the finer things in life.
Aurora is survived by her husband, Noel Lyew, and the children of her late son Karl Martin: Deno Andrew Martin (Sandra), Sean Martin (Franz), Nikeisha Nicole Martin, Karl Kamari Martin, Chryon Bakari Martin, and her stepchildren: Georgia Sonia Lyew, Mark Lyew (Denise), Gladstone "Manny" Brown, Nola Lyew (Glen), Melody Gayle (Trevor), and Noel Lyew Jr (Daphne) and many step-grandchildren including Tamika Nurse-Johnson (Damian) who provided personal support to her step-grandmother in her latter days.
In addition, she is survived by many nieces and nephews including Ancel Gayle (Joy), Georgia "Peggy" Gayle, the late Kenneth "Tootie" Gayle, Sandra Johnson, Donald Mendes, Donovan Wray, and the late Yasmin Lewis.
She leaves behind loving steadfast loyal friends and family who supported her throughout her life including May "Tiny" Robertson, Audry Monica Walker, Viola Forbes, and George Lyew.
Aurora was predeceased by her siblings Noel Campbell, Iola Studs, Delta Stevens, Linda Lewis, Royal Vassell, and Lucille Johnson.
Regarding plans for the future, Aurora would often say, "If God spares my life "
God spared Aurora's life until 3 am Thursday, May 12, 2022. A full Ninety-four years, and we are all so grateful for that blessing. She will always be remembered.