Zell Amanda Irving

Zell Amanda Irving, born on June 3, 1943, in Comfort Hall District, Saint James, Jamaica, passed peacefully on July 9, 2024. At age 81, she leaves behind a rich legacy of love, resilience, and dedication that will be cherished by her family and all who knew her.
Zell was the beloved daughter of William Dewar and Klarissa Pryce, though she was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Cinderella Braham. Her journey took her from the beautiful Island of Jamaica to the bustling streets of Hartford, Connecticut, where she created a new life for herself and her family.
In 1980, Zell relocated to the United States, seeking better opportunities for her loved ones. Her first job in America was at the Radio Shop on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, where her hard work and determination shined brightly. She later dedicated 26 years of service from 1983 at Park Place Healthcare, formerly Greenwood Healthcare Center, retiring in 2009.
Zell was a devoted member of the Church of The Most High God, where her faith was not just a part of her life, but a guiding force. She was a pillar of strength and a source of endless love for her family, including her six children, Sonia Petgrave, Angela Nails, Raglon Irving, Merline Irving, Lorna Irving, and Corey Irving, and two of whom passed on Richard and Francis Irving. Zell has 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Carlton L. Irving, to whom she was happily married for 43 years but together for over 60- years.
Zell's passions included spending time with her family, cooking delicious meals, knitting beautiful creations, and carefully tending to her garden. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, filled with the aromas of her culinary delights and the vibrant colors of her garden bloom. Her love for her garden reflected her nurturing nature, always ready to share the fruits of her labor with others. We always enjoyed her popular rum cake during Christmas, which everyone looked forward to eating. During the holidays, mama always had a house full of relatives and guests catering to others. She also had a green thumb for harvesting vegetables for friends and family. She would always have calloo, peppers, okra, tomatoes, and cabbage, to name a few, to pull vegetables from her garden to give to others. Most of her knitting consisted of blankets, hats, socks, and clothing for the grandchildren, and she enjoyed watching the excitement from others for creating such everlasting memories. Grandma fed the entire district in Jamaica with hot toto and bulla cake and made fresh ginger beer. She deeply understands ingredients and flavors, effortlessly creating delicious and visually appealing dishes. Her passion for cooking is evident, inspiring others and often leading to delightful culinary experiences for those who have the pleasure of tasting her creations.
In her last days, enjoying moments such as feeding and providing basic needs of her life and enjoying the delicacy of Jamaican dishes were everlasting moments that she valued with her children, grandchildren, and friends of the family.
Though she is no longer with us, the love, kindness, and strength that Zell Amanda Irving embodied will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Thank you to those who made her last days on earth truly meaningful. Her infectious laugh will forever be engrained in our hearts forever.