Stephanie Louisa Persaud

The Dash lifestory of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by her Daughter Connie Martinez
My mum, Stephanie Louisa Mofford was born on April., 10th 1943 in the beautiful sunshine Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. Her childhood and early teen years she lived in St. Vincent with her mother, grand father (every one called daddy) his wife, her siblings: Elizabeth, Eleanor, Bertrum (Bouch), Thelma, Barbara, Tony & Tyrone. Sadly, she did not know her father and therefore didn't have that relationship.
She loved living in St. Vincent, with the hot sunshine, beautiful blue beaches, white sand and coconut trees. Her favorite fruits were mangoes, guava, golden apple and sugar cane. Her life in St vincent during her younger years were going to
school, which she enjoyed very much as she was bright. She also loved going to Sunday school and church and dressing up in her white clothes and her little white hat. It also consisted of her doing her chores such as washing clothes in the river, feeding the pigs, milking the goats and cows, shelling peas and digging potatoes. When not doing her chores, she's spending time at the beach and just roaming the island, picking fruits, bathing in the rivers, and playing in the rain. Every year in July St. Vincent has a carnival (still happening today) which is a huge celebration to celebrate the Islands history
and culture. Mum loved it because of the beautiful elaborately
colored costumes, head dress and the calypso and steel pan
music playing and dancing in the streets. As Mum got older she
actually participated in the carnival and dressed up in her
beautiful costume in the colors of the St. Vincent flag.
In her later teens she met a young boy and fell in love and got
pregnant with her first child me, Cornelia (aka Connie).
Although she loved her Island she knew she had to leave for
more of an opportunity for her herself and her young baby.
Her older sister, Eleanor lived in England and told her there are
many opportunities here so Mum left the Island for England.
She arrived in England and soon fell in love with an Indian man,
Samuel Persaud who she eventually married and had 5 children;
Jeffrey, Brian, Richard, Sammy Jr and Samantha.
Living in England was great but mum was looking for more
opportunities for us all and we moved to America and ended up in
the Bronx, New York.
The Bronx was fast paced compared to living in England, where it
was more structured and mannerly. Some of the boys were
getting into trouble, cutting school and hanging out with the wrong
crowd and mum didn't like it. One of her friends invited her to
California and she loved it. It was not as crazy as New York and
she decided to move to California.
As the years progressed my siblings and myself got married and
between us all had 16 grandchildren. So my Mum had 16
grandchildren and then 7 great grandchildren. She loved every
single one of them without showing any favorites.
Eventually Mum and some of my siblings and their families moved
to Florida while the rest of us stayed in California.
No matter what state our Mum lived in and no matter where she
went she made friends. Everyone loved our Mum and the majority
of them became our extended families and they are still our
extended families today.
In 2007 Sad news hit us when doctors discovered that she had
breast cancer. But being the strong person that she was she
fought really hard and was in remission.
But 10 years later it came back and came back with a vengence!
During her cancer battle she planned a trip to Canada (July 2018)
for her granddaughters only. Of course I was jealous and I wanted
to go to. She said to me, girl you will have to pay your own way! I
said, what?? Not fair. Then she laughed and said if she had the
money she would pay for me too. And I knew she would and I
said no worries, I'm just playing and paid for myself.
She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and protected them
like a mama bear would. An example was when we were in
Canada heading to the casino we stopped off at the rest stop at a
gas station. Looks like everyone else had the same idea as there
was a long line to the two restrooms. Mum and I were in line while
her granddaughters were picking out snacks. They later joined us
and were met by this lady standing behind Mum saying " you can't
cut in, you need to get to the back of the line". Oh she said the
wrong thing to the wrong woman as mum turned around and
looked at her and said loudly and fiercely "these are my
granddaughters and I'm saving a space for them and they are
NOT going to the end of the line". That was so awesome as the
woman looked away and said nothing!! Yeah, Mum shut her
down!
Mum gained so many friends throughout her life. She loved life
and loved everyone. Even if you did her wrong, she won't hold it
against you and continued to love you. She loved cooking and
watching her British shows and soap operas.
Even in her later years and battling cancer she had an excellent
memory, she literally remembers everything. She also knew how
to navigate through social media very well.
But again, more sad news hit us! In December 2024 she planned
a trip to California but was unable to make it as she stared getting
weak and the cancer was attacking her.
In mid February of 2025 she was rushed to emergency, then
moved to ICU and sadly never made it out. This time the big bully,
cancer took her. Although it hurts beyond words that she is gone
I'm happy that she went to meet our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and is no longer suffering.
Heaven gained a beautiful angel on February 28th 2025!
Our last conversation was 2-3 weeks prior and we were talking
about our favorite fruits: mangoes, golden apples and guava! I
had no idea that would be our last conversation.
Mum, thank you for bringing me into this world, without you there
wouldn't be my beautiful daughter Monica Angelina Martinez, one
of your many granddaughters.
I love you Mum. Rest t in peace!
Your St. Vincent born daughter, Cornelia Angela Mofford
Martinez.
The Dash lifestory of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by
her Son Jeffrey Persaud
The line that sits between our birthday, and the day we leave the
earth is referred to as " The Dash "
In Mum's case April 10th 1943 - February 28th 2025. This line is
filled with so many details of our lives.
It's not very hard to imagine mum as a mischievous teenager,
sneaking out of the house in St Vincent to pick Mangoes and
plums or dressed in her school uniform laughing with friends and
family in the playground. It's funny to think about it, but she was
not born in her twenties, which would be my earliest memories of
mum. Mum led an adventurous and fearless life, and it all began
on the beautiful island of St Vincent a small island in the
Caribbean.
The island culture was different back in the 1940s, mum and her
siblings referred to their mother as Tantie Clara, as did the whole
neighborhood. My grandma Clara and the Mofford family were
well known in the Kingston area of St Vincent and with mum's
side of the Moffords including her siblings there were eight. As a
toddler mum and her sister my aunt Elenore were inseparable,
but as mum reached her teenage years she began to make
lifetime friendships. She became very close to her cousin Cynthia
and her friends Wynette and Pinks. These young girls could be
found dressed up for church on a Sunday morning, and by
afternoon they are kicking off their shoes and burying their feet in
the sand at the beach. Sharing stories of what they want to be
when they grow up, and which boy smiled at them at school. In
those simple times she met a boy and became a young mother to
my sister and her first born Cornelia. Connie brought a special
change to her heart as she wanted her to have everything and
prayed for the opportunities to help her improve their lives. In an
incredible twist of fate she received a letter from her sister
Elenore who had moved to London England, on her own chance
to chase her dreams. The letter was to inform her that she could
sponsor a family member to England. This included the room and
board with aunt Elenore until she got on her feet. Unfortunately
she had to travel alone and with her heart in two pieces she had
to prepare for a journey for a better future that would start without
her precious little Connie. The plans were made quite quickly and
mum found herself on a whirlwind of events trying to prepare for
the trip to her new adventure. It was time to say goodbye to her
home, her island, her family and her baby girl. There were not
enough kisses and hugs to give as she said goodbye, but she
kept her spirits high as she slowly entered the small boat that
would take her to Barbados, where she would board the ship to
her final destination of Southampton England.
Were you nervous mum? Did you feel the wind on your face as it
cleared the tears away? Did you look back and see your beautiful
island fade away? Were you terrified and refused to show your
emotions? I wish I could have known more. I would have loved to
go through the emotional journey with you sharing every moment
as the waves crashed against the ship that was bound for so
many possibilities.
As the boat docked in Southampton the large group of dreamers
from the Islands were looking out at the new land. Mum decided
not to rush to the front of the boat exit with her fellow shipmates
and waited as the line went down with her small suitcase in hand.
To her surprise a reporter walked through the crowd and sought
her out. He asked if she would be willing to be interviewed to
share her dreams and aspirations of her future in England. The
interview was short but it was live, and somehow the family
members in London saw the interview. Her travels were not yet
complete as she had to get to Eleanor's home. As she reached
her sister's home to her shock, aunt Elenore asked her about the
interview and explained how so many people knew she was here
in England before she even knew. Wow, how they must have
laughed and hugged and shared in the special moment of mum's
arrival in London. As promised auntie Elenore was able to help
mum get on her feet and she started working and helping with the
finances around the house. It was hard to find her way to save
money but whenever she could she would send money back to St
Vincent for her little Connie and her family that was caring for her.
Mum and aunt Elenore were working together and were able to
take the bus together to and from work. They worked in a puppet
making factory where mum found it was a whole new world in a
concrete city, so different from her Island. It was not long before
her beautiful smile captured the eye of a young Guyanese man
that was traveling on the same road as the bus. I wonder how
many times he rode up and down before he was brave enough to
approach the stunningly beautiful young lady. The day came that
Samuel Persaud my father took his shot and pulled up in his little
scooter bike to ask Stephanie Mofford my mother if he could give
her a ride home. Aunt Elenore was livid and kept stating this is not
going to happen as she was compelled to shield her sister from
this handsome man on a scooter. She wore a pencil skirt on a
scooter!!! and as most romances go Mum and DAD began their
courtship. I can see them holding hands and kissing at every
moment. I imagine them showing off their new romance with their
friends and loved ones.
As time stops for no one they found themselves getting closer and
closer until they started to plan a wedding. This was not to be a
quick city hall wedding, they wanted to have a wedding that could
be a memory they could remember and share forever. The
wedding album is stunning and still captures their beautiful
matrimony to this day.
There was a little surprise on that wedding day of March 28th
1964. Whether they were aware or not on that day I was to
become the next part of their special bond together, Jeffrey
Michael Howard Persaud. I was born October 15th of 1964 and
this was the first of a few more children that were born on Stanger
Road in Croydon. My siblings were flowing year by year as mum
gave birth to Brian, and Richie who were also born at Stanger
Road. But it was time for more space. Mum loved living with aunt
Elenore at Stanger Road but it was getting crowded. Mum started
a hunt for a house and found the perfect home which allowed us
to stay in Croydon. We moved to Shirley Road where mum had 2
more babies, Samuel and Samantha in the hospital. In the midst
of all of this Connie was finally brought home from St Vincent and
she was welcomed into her new home with siblings, Mum and
Dad. Mum was living a dream she had had for so long, finally
having her whole family together and owning a home with a yard
to plant flowers and watch the kids play. Mum also wanted nice
things. She started a collection of beautiful furniture in what will be
called "The Front Room" This room was slowly filled with amazing
unique pieces and mum wanted to make sure everything was
special. The bar was spectacular, and filled with all types of
glasses she picked out personally. She purchased a huge record
player and as she cleaned the house we could hear Elvis Presley,
Jim Reeves, Tom Jones, the list went on and on. As we got older
we all found that we loved these songs and would play them as
we cleaned the house. Mum's front room was off limits to kids so
we made sure she never found out.
A family of (8) was a struggle for mum and dad to make ends
meet, so mum was finding other ways to make money to support
the household. She worked in a few different types of jobs but the
job that became a career was with numbers. Mum always landed
on her feet when it came to keeping books. She found a job in
accounting and even with decent money and dads income it was
tough so she worked cleaning homes. The bills were getting paid
and the kids were clothed and mum was happy to plant roses in
the front and back yard. She was still working a few jobs and
making her front room so fancy. The time mum spent working 2
and sometimes 3 jobs did not prevent her from putting a
table filled with some of the best meals you can imagine. Her
cuisine was a combination of her Caribbean background with
some English twists and of course many creative dishes. Sundays
were always a roast and mum could whip up a beef or chicken
roast with island side dishes. I remember some long drives all the
way to Cardiff Wales, to pick up some mangoes, plantains,
oranges, oh that list was endless. Things seemed so normal but
Dad wanted to travel to America to meet up with his brother Uncle
Donald. This was to be a major challenge as mum was to stay
and take care of the house and kids. The plans were set and dad
left for a year to research if it would be possible to live in America.
Mum continued to work at as many jobs as possible as we were
getting older and our needs were bigger. Mum found herself
cleaning homes after her day job and even friends' homes to
make ends meet.
It took a year and dad returned with new hope of a better future. I
remember mum was not quite ready for this and had many
reservations and questions. She was trying hard to provide the
cons but it was not long before mum's next adventure to the
United States was ready to start.
I don't know if she was nervous or scared but mum was never
going to let those feelings interrupt her potential. After landing in
the Bronx mum was working and thriving in no time. We were
living with my uncle Donald but within a year mum had found an
apartment for us to live in temporarily until the house she found
could be processed. As I look back I remember how she wanted
to make sure that the house on Loring Place would be our new
home. Well in the blink of an eye we moved from a small 2
bedroom apartment on University Ave to a house that was 4
stories high a driveway and so many bedrooms we all had our
own room. This house became a special place for so many family
members who were looking for a fresh start in America and so
many visitors from England, Guyana and St Vincent. Mum was
constantly making new friends and while working in Manhattan for
the Kennel Club bookkeeping she rode the subway to and from
work. But now in NY mum was finding new recipes and continued
being creative with new dishes. Scrumptious chicken, Beef
cabbage, Banana fritters, mum's menu was endless. She would
always make a dish to share and had a very large fan club of
people who loved her and her cooking. She baked cakes for
birthday parties and potluck at work and she always had a few
requests from friends at work. Toting these items on the train was
something she was willing to do as she received such joy
watching people enjoying her delicious dishes. It was a lot more
house so cleaning was more work, but mum still liked to have the
house clean and she still had her front room with all of her unique
furniture and trinkets. Unfortunately New York had created some
issues between mum and dad so they had to change the scenery
and they went on a trip to California to help the situation and
discovered the beautiful area of San Diego. Mum fell in love with
the area, and the palm trees reminded her of home, so the
adventure of mums life was heading to the west coast of America.
Mum went ahead to San Diego and started to locate a place to
live as dad started the packing for shipping. Mum being mum she
found and apartment in the Chula Vista area and had Brian,
Richie, Sammy and Samantha as Connie and I stayed behind in
the Bronx. Mum was able to find a job and quickly began
researching the area for a house, another home. Well here we are
at Connoley Circle, the first house in the San Diego area. Mum
filled the house with her furniture that may have dwindled slightly
since England but still had many of her favorite items. Mum set
the children up in school and was able to have the house a home
in no time. Dad was sending money and mum was able to see
things falling into place. It was a long time before dad found his
way there but it was short lived and mum was shouldering all of
the responsibilities of the family. Connie finished up some college
in the Bronx and decided to head to San Diego to reunite with the
bulk of the family.
Mum loved dreaming and even though she was happy on
Connoley she wanted to have a pool and even more rooms. Mum
discovered a new development being built in the Bonita area of
San Diego. She envisioned how she could have the house on a
cul-de-sac and put in a pool and plant roses. Mum was prepared
to stay out on the property all night to make sure she got the lot
she wanted. Like mum she GOT IT. I am so proud that she got the
lot she wanted and built the house she wanted and as time
permitted she put the pool in and landscaped the house. She was
living her dream, and to keep her dream she had to work more
than one job. She worked at Popeyes Chicken and May Company
and Montgomery ward clothing stores and I believe her favorite
was Jack In the Box. There was a lot on my mothers back, to
cover taxes and maintenance on the house and even with 2 jobs
and sometimes 3 she was just spending so many hours working
there was no way she was able to enjoy her home. But she was
willing to make the sacrifice for her children and family to enjoy
her home. As times change companies were getting acquired and
mum was caught in the cross fire and moved from job to job but
continued to have her secondary jobs to keep her dream home. I
can imagine the pressure she may have put herself through as
she rested her head on her pillow at night just hoping to keep the
roof over her children's head. The time came when she was
losing the financial battle and the house had to be sold. She was
so hurt but she used the phrase "God Willing " and prayed God
would guide her to her next home....AMEN, yes he did.
Mum was able to put some money together and buy another
house, I'll call it the Brentford house. It was another home that
she could plant her roses and have family come and stay. By this
time the children had all found their way to marriage, or school
and she was so happy with her new home. Again corporate
acquisitions would cause cuts and she found herself unable to
maintain the house. It was time for another change and as she
pondered a big move she realized most of her children are in
Florida.
Florida was another big journey across the country and it could be
challenging, but its mum her courage was so deeply engrained in
her soul.....She started packing.
After the sale of the house she headed to Florida where
Samantha, Richie and myself resided. Brian was just up the road
in GA, so she was able to get herself on track pretty quickly. This
part of her adventure started in Fort Lauderdale with the company
that was tough, but she wanted to stick it out. She was a 3 hours
drive away but we all took the drive and made sure she was doing
well and happy. Mum's apt was nice but being so close yet so far
was weighing on her. She decided to start looking for a new job
and landed one that would be in the Tampa Bay area. She was so
happy to be closer and stayed with each of us until she got her
own place. She loved her job and continued her travel to Canada
and Las Vegas, California and back home to St Vincent. She was
so happy to be able to make a home as the east coast which was
so close to the Caribbean. I loved when she travelled because
she had worked so much and made so many friends. It gave her
the opportunity to reconnect with hundreds of people, yes
hundreds. This time would be her first bout with Cancer, and as
the fearless woman she was she looked it in the face and said
leave my body. After a surgery and some medications she was on
the mend and Cancer free. She lost her hair and sense of taste,
and was weakened by the medication but still attended every
family gathering and function. I was so proud of mum as she
enjoyed every moment with none other than her children. The
new job was close to the Casino and she would spend some time
there every so often, it became an escape for her, where she can
let every spin determine her luck. I can tell you when she won she
would share her winnings with all of us. Every child whether they
needed it or not got a cut. For so long she would say, when she
wins she will be handing out cars and houses. She gave
unconditionally and loved with all of her heart.
As life continued to be an adventure her company changed their
design and asked her to move to Dallas TX. She had finished her
battle with Cancer and decided she wanted to continue working
and started packing once again. I have to take a moment and
share that we all helped her pack, but I decided to take the drive
with her to Dallas in her Honda. She wanted to keep her car so
we packed it up as much as possible and started the drive to
Dallas from Tampa. I had a wonderful time with mum we laughed
and joked all the way with some singing, of course. The best part
of the drive was she was speeding and lost her temper with the
state trooper. I could not contain my laughter but she made sure
the Louisiana trooper knew he was not getting a Christmas card.
(yes she was speeding 82 in a 65).
I helped set up what she had in the apartment and drove around
making sure she could find the basic stores, Walmart and the
produce store. The apt was really nice and was located right
where it was easy to get to the main road. She had to drive to
work but it was a short drive and once these locations were sorted
out, I was on my way back to Tampa. I am 100 percent sure she
did not need me to help her with these items, it was just for the
company. She adjusted to Dallas and was disappointed when the
first snow fall fell, she decided she was not going to stay in Dallas
for long. After a short time her knee was giving her some issues
that was causing her so much pain that she could not move it.
The doctors decided she would need a knee replacement and
they got the surgery scheduled. Brian's wife Rosa showed up to
be the first round of support as she had to stay off her feet while
the knee healed. I was there for the second round and she was
able to get around and the therapist was coming to the house to
keep the knee moving. She stressed about work and spent quite
a bit of time watching her soap operas. She just loved her
General Hospital and Bold and Beautiful, mum was funny to
watch as she advised the characters of the mistakes they were
making, trusting the wrong person.
Mums Knee healed well and the pain was gone, but she was to
have another battle with Cancer. It was her second time and she
refused to let it stop her from working and living. She never
stopped working regardless of the conditions, her strength was
way beyond normal. After this battle, Covid landed and her
concerns were very real. We wanted her to be close in case of
any health issues, and thankfully her company permitted her
return to Tampa. Brian, Samantha's husband Salvy and myself
took the flight to Dallas and packed mum's stuff to bring her home
to Tampa. The drive from Dallas was filled with jokes and singing
as expected, even the conservative Brian.
Samantha was building a new home and was making sure there
was a room and bathroom for mum to have her privacy. So Mum
stayed at Brian's and Rosa's until it was complete. She was so
happy sharing time with Samantha and Salvy, and we cant forget
chico the dog. Mums health was going strong and she was able to
spend time with each of us in Florida. She also made some trips
to California and Canada, it was a very special moment when she
planned an all expenses paid trip for my daughters and
Samantha's and Connie's. Our girls were so happy and had the
most wonderful time.
Her last flight was to St Vincent, I don't even think it could of been
planned better. This was during her final bout with Cancer. She
called us from the island to share how she was walking with her
walker through the places where she once walked in her youth. I
just realized that her first trip was away from her Island and her
last trip was to her beautiful island in the sun.....St Vincent
I love you mum, I am so proud of your strong courageous spirit. I
am so happy you are and will forever be my mum.
I will travel to St Vincent mum, to walk on you land and feel the
wind against my skin like its an embrace from you, and say your
name.
The Dash lifestory of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by
her son Brian Persaud
Mum always told us she was destined to win the lottery in her 70's
and everyone knows if she did win.she would have given it
all away.she hoped to enhance the lives of all her family and
friends. There was No one who was more giving of all she
had.her time willing to travel anywhere anytime to be with
family and friends and of every penny she earned or won at the
casino..even while battling cancer. The most selfless person I
know. Even though she may not have known it, she was already
rich.cheers and farewell to the richest person I know her
family and friends are heartbroken but her legacy of being kind
and giving her all for family and friends lives on. Farewell
mother she was loved more than she ever knew. Brian A.
Persaud Dash - Feb 28th, 2025 @ 21:17hrs.
The Dash life story of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by
her son Richard Persaud
My mother Stephanie L Persaud Born 04-10-1943 in St Vincent a
beautiful hidden secret island in the Caribbean. I am Richard her
forth child and her third son. Me and my siblings had a wonderful
time born and spending many years in England we had to watch
out for our baby brother and sister, Sammy and Samantha but we
had the best of times. Our mother would work all day but always
find time to cook us up some of the best food the world has to
offer. She made shore we were dressed well and had everything
we needed to attend school. She made sure we learned how to
swim, in south Norwood took us to Brighton Beach, the movies,
the downs, and even Wales. And when the first McDonald's,
Burger King and Kentucky Fried chicken opened in London she
made sure we had a taste of America. November 1978 myself
and my 5 siblings arrived in New York City with our parents, I
don't know how our mother did it but within a couple of days all of
us were registered in 3 different schools, because of our ages.
The Bronx was a little rough that first year but our mother did
make sure we had everything we needed to make it through this
change. Mother was working and helped our father get us into a 3
story house with a basement. We finally had our own rooms and
lived very happy. The Bronx was a very dangerous place but we
fit in and made some great friends, but our mother wanted better
for us and she worried about the streets consuming us. She took
me and my two young siblings to Canada. She drove all by
herself to see part of our family who had also moved from
England, but it was cold and a whole new country, but we had a
great time. Then in 1982 our parents went out west to California
to see if the life style was safer for her kids, and she fell in love
with San Diego which in the summer of 1983 we would move to.
When we arrived we stayed with some family, from St Vincent and
they were so nice to us. Within a month our mother had us in our
own place, and life was back to normal. Mum was back to working
so hard to keep us safe and together. Within 6 months she bought
a house and all our siblings would come and go back to the
Bronx, as she worked 2 jobs to keep us fed and a roof over our
heads. It ended up with four of us staying there, and we lived a
fantastic and fun life. This strong beautiful woman would
eventually built her own house and moved us all in, our 1st New
House where she would work sometimes 3 jobs to hold the family
together. We lived so happy there we even had a swimming pool
where us and our friends had so much fun. I ended up moving
back to the Bronx in the early 90s but what I had learned from my
mother was hard work would get you what you need. Eventually
we would all meet up In Florida in the late 90s, and we had some
great times again. 2006 I had moved to Ohio, but eventually 2013
move back to Florida where we could see more of each other we
all really loved Florida. Mom would move to Dallas by herself for
work, but all of us missed her cooking. She ended up coming
back to us around 2020. We all got to make some more great
memories, until the cancer she was diagnosed with cancer in
2007 returned, and would eventually consume her. It breaks my
heart that she is gone. One of the last things we spoke about was
going to St Vincent and climbing a mango tree, and eating fresh
mangos. I will miss you so much mum and the fantastic talks we
had to and from the doctors appointments, casinos, Samantha's,
and then Jeff's house, and my little place. We love you mum
and can only imagine how everyone in heaven is enjoying your
love and cooking. See you soon mum
The Dash lifestory of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by
her son Samuel Persaud Jr
Samuel Sebastian Persaud Junior, five of 6 kids of Stephanie L
Mofford Persaud AKA Mum.
I am writing this with a heavy heart and tears trickling down my
face, so bear with me.
To begin my experiences, I remember being at May Day Hospital
in London, England, and Mum came and got me. I'm not sure why
I remember this. It could be a dream, but I remember it quite
vividly for some reason.
The adventure begins across the pond, at 4 Shirley Road,
Croydon UK. Always knew we came from a diverse background
and Mum telling us about Saint Vincent. Seemed like a fantasy
island in the Caribbean.
Mum did it all, took care of the kids, made sure we had clean
clothes, and fed us quite well with exotic food. Now, having a
family of my own, I'm not sure how she did it.
I believe the first day of Ashburton school in the UK, I was one of
the kids who cried. It didn't matter. Mum always would be there for
me. Mum would later remind everyone what a legend I would
become within the family.
We had eight people living in this house, and there was always
something going on. The house parties with our huge family and
friends coming over. I'm not sure how everyone would fit in this
tiny house. Every party I remember the one song we all danced
with Mum was by Boney M, "Brown Girl in the Ring." Later, we
would do it in Karaoke, best duo ever!
As a kid, we had a huge loving family. Of course, this would
continue when we all moved to The Bronx New York, USA. right
before my 10th birthday.
What I believe Mum probably found was one of the biggest
houses in NY, on Loring Place, by Fordham Road. This is where
we met more family and friends. Mum would work bookkeeping
for the actor Elliot Gould's mother. I must mention that no matter
where Mum worked, everyone loved her. The extended family
friends grew.
Of course, being on the east coast, we would travel north to
Canada to meet more of our Vincentian family. Mum would
always try to explain how we were all related. It didn't matter to
me. If she said we're family, then we are, and there is a lot of us.
After moving to America, Mum's cooking recipes grew. I believe it
grew even more when we moved to San Diego, California, in the
summer of 1983.
The first house was 89 Connoley Circle Chula Vista in 1984. Mum
worked at the Public Defenders office in downtown San Diego. I
remember going to the office, and everyone would say how they
loved being around Mum. I was in high school at this time, and
when my friends would come over, nobody understood Mum. The
strong Caribbean accent was still heavy, as if she had just left the
little island. In addition, Mum would figure out the power of the
VHS. The soap operas were taped daily. This will become her
sanctuary.
Last year of my high school year, we moved to 1706 Bristol Court,
Bonita California. This was to be Mum's forever home, single
story, and a huge backyard. This is where Mum would show her
true, hard-working, Caribbean qualities. I remember Mum staying
in line overnight to pick the Bristol Court lot for this home. Single
story, huge lot and at the end of a cul-de-sac.
Working two full-time jobs was amazing, but I thought it was too
much. Nope, Mum loved to stay busy. At this time, it was
Brooktree and managing JacknBox/Popeyes. Of course, all my
friends would benefit from one of these jobs.
Later as all the kids got older and started their adulthood. The
house was too much, and it was time to move on. But the
memories would never be taken away.
No matter where we would live, Mum was always close by.
Eventually, Mum and I became roommates. This was win-win-win
for me. I had the best person to talk with about family/ friends,
food and TV shows. Even soap operas, we got really close, and
watching the taped shows was fun.
I would get my career job, and Mum couldn't be more proud of
me. Before moving on, I must interject that through all of my
siblings' and I lives, Mum was always super proud of her kids. Our
biggest supporter, good or bad, Mum was there for all of us. Man,
would she brag too anyone listening or not.
After living in Mira Mesa, Florida, Texas, and back to Florida,
Mum would always visit us in California. It wasn't just us. It was
an adventure. She would incredibly make time for everyone,
some days with us and her close friends.
I'm not sure how Mum would do it, but she had a lot of energy.
Tons of personal family friends. Not only was she there for the
birth of my kids, she also made time for the rest of the family and
friends in California. No matter where or when Mum would visit
anyone, she had a plan to see and spend quality time with them.
Extremely loyal.
Not only did Mum have a great relationship with her kids, she was
just as happy and elated of all her grandchildren. She also would
know everything that was going on in their lives. I wonder if
people got tired of how she talked her family up all the time.
As mentioned earlier, Mum would clear the air to my kids that I
was the one the coaches in England wanted me to stay behind to
play football (soccer). As a mama bear would do, there was no
way she would leave a cub behind. Mum was so honored this
offer was made. It made me feel like a legend in front of my wife
and kids.
Marianne would remember Mum as two individuals growing up on
two different sides of the world. But they could both relate as
Marianne grew up on a small farm in Switzerland, and Mum grew
up on a farm in St. Vincent. Mum would also show Marianne the
Caribbean way to cook curry and hopefully try and attempt it.
Sammy III loved talking with Mum about relatives, TV shows, and
St. Vincent. He will always cherish last year visiting Mum and
taking her to one of her favorite spots. IHOP.
Annabelle had a couple of fond memories of Mum. She
remembered making Mum walk with Sammy III in the hot sun to
the park and get ice cream. Even though Mum was in some pain,
she would do anything for her grandchildren. Lastly, Mum would
show everyone how to cook because you can feel the love from
the food she made.
Ultimately, Mum was always a fighter, battling several bouts of
cancer, which she always seemed to prevail. Last week, I had a
wonderful talk with Mum. I couldn't fathom that would be my last
conversation with her. Mum will be dearly missed by many family,
friends, and especially her kids.
Mum, I will always love you and enjoy the time we spent together.
The memories will live on forever, and your loyalty and kindness
will never be forgotten. Love Sammy Jr.
The Dash life story of Stephanie Louisa Persaud as told by
her Daughter Samantha Jane Almaraz
1943 - 2025, the dash while small represents a lifetime for
Stephanie Louisa Mofford Persaud. Born April 10th 1943 in St
Vincent and the Grenadines a country in the Caribbean a British
Island our mother created a family legacy never to be forgotten.
Mum grew up on island time surrounded by nature in all its glory
as created by God. Living off the land without the need for some
of the items we call luxuries such as a washing machine and
dryer or an electric oven. Instead she washed clothes in a river on
the rocks and cooked on an open flame. It was a simpler time.
Raised by her grandparents, she lived with her siblings Elizabeth
aka Witty, Eleanor, Bertrum, Thelma, Barbara, Tony and Tyrone.
Her education started when she completed Intermediate High
School in Kingstown. She originally wanted to be a nurse because
the white dress and hat was an appealing fashion statement. She
soon learned that the sight of blood was not for her.
Soon after, Mum gave birth to her first born Cornelia which led to
her decision to move to London, England so she could provide a
better life for her daughter. Feeling limited, she moved to the
motherland for more opportunities. Her sister Eleanor was a
Professor at a college in London, England and she sponsored
mum to move to England and begin a new journey.
The career path was already in play as her first job was a store
clerk at Beta Shoe Store Kingstown, St Vincent with duties of
Sales Assistant, Cashier and Payroll Clerk. After the move to
England she worked at Drake Personnel as a Bookkeeper from
1976 to 1978. She then was a control clerk for The American
Kennel Club from 1979 to 1982 and then a Bookkeeper from
1982-1983 at Lincoln Square home for adults.
In the interim, she met the love of her life Samuel Gangadeen
Persaud. Driving by on a motor scooter she was smitten by this
tall Indian man. March 28th, 1964 they were married. More
children arrived shortly after, Jeffrey Harold Michael, Brian
Anthony, Richard Elroy, Samuel Sebastian and Me Samantha
Jane aka baby Jane. Our family of 8 lived happily in Croydon
Surrey London England and enjoyed many family Sunday
dinners.
1978 - 1983 We moved to the Bronx, NY. We had family there and
Mum wanted us children to have access to opportunities in the
United States. While working long hours traveling in some of the
worst winters she always made sure we had the best dinners
every night. With all these mouths to feed we shopped in Jersey
to beat the taxes. She bought a Gold Fleetwood Cadillac 4door
Sedan which was the longest car I've ever seen but we all fit in it.
She had a love for driving and some of her favorite road trips
were to Atlantic City and Canada.
1983 - 2005 Mum made the move to San Diego California. She
loved the weather and the food. Sadly the story of Stephanie and
Sam came to an end but they remain cordial and engaged with
our family. Mum pursued her career in payroll admin working with
companies including Defenders Attorneys, Brooktree, Qtron/
Plexus Corp and Mastec. This is where she met many lifelong
friends. 100% extrovert Mum was known for her Potluck items
such as fried rice and rum cake. Everyone loved her food which is
as authentic as her personality. She participated in fundraising
events and team activities. She loved company Christmas Parties
and getting all glamorous and dressed up she danced even if she
was the only one. She got the party started. She really enjoyed
hanging out with her work family attending San Diego Charger
football game-tailgating, numerous happy hours and trips to
Rosarito Mexico for steak and lobster. But, her all time favorite
" The Casino" mum wanted to win big but only so that she could
give it all alway. A heart of gold!
Better than any money could buy, Mum was blessed with an
abundance of grandchildren Nicholas, Vanessa, Kayla, Veronica,
Stephanie, Monica, Salvy D, Little Jeffrey, Cynthia, Sammy III,
Robert, Jonathan, Annabelle, Richard Jr, Nicole, Orlando. Nothing
made her more proud to see her family grow.
2007 Mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer but she beat it. 10
years later it came back and she beat it again. She followed all
the rules to kick Cancers A$$
Her favorite past time was going to the"Casino" she wanted to win
but also enjoyed seeing others win. If she ran out of money, she
would cheer on other people. The excitement of people winning
and being able to make financial change with money was
gratifying. She also loved to grow her own Roses she has many
pictures of her garden and she took them to her office to display.
Another admiral characteristic I'll share with you is she loved to
talk. She had the gift to gab. You can put her anywhere.
Sometimes we forgot the question we asked because you will get
5 stories from one question. She was very passionate and
animated when she was watching her TV shows. In my high
school years, this was very entertaining for my friends. They like
to watch mum watch TV. She also loved the Soaps- Thank You
Young and the Restless for the years of entertainment. Some
times she would talk about her friends but she was actually taking
about the actors in one of her soap opera shows. I would be
drawn into her story and then ask, Who did this happened to? And
she would say my friend Victor Newman from the Young and the
Restless..
As the years continue, Mum was again blessed, this time with
Great grandkids, Julecia, Aryanna, Tyson, Niyah, Baby Coy,
Adonis and Anthony. She loved them all dearly.
2021 to current days she moved to Florida to live me and
Salvador. Our home was to provide her a home base so she
could travel the world as she entered retirement. She continued
with her favorite things to do. Soaps and Casino. She traveled
to St Vincent twice, Canada and San Diego,California all the while
as she was diagnosed with Metastatic Cancer and fighting the
battle. She stayed joyful but suffered inside. She endured 5
different types of Chemo and a radiation treatment but if you know
mum, you saw that she fought all the way. I can tell you her
favorite meal was Tacos and only when made by her son in law,
Salvador. She adored him.
This is my version story of a beautiful woman whose
determination and hard work will be remembered for generations
in our family. She defied the odds, fearless and fought for her
family.She will always be loved by all!
I will never forget the day mum was called to our lord and savior
Jesus Christ. I know you were comforted in the arms of Veronica
your granddaughter. Your legacy will live on for generations and
we will love you forever.
Samantha Almaraz, Baby Jane