Icilda Esty

Icilda Esty was born on August 22, 1930, in St. Mary, Jamaica, to Agnes and Soloman Esty. She was the fourth of five children and spent her early years in the cool hills of St. Mary, where she first discovered her love for knowledge. A bright student, she often boasted about placing first in her classes. Her favorite subject was arithmetic, and she enjoyed challenging others to mental calculations rather than relying on pen, paper, or a calculator. Beyond academics, Icilda had a passion for sewing, cooking, and singing. Many believed she would become a professional seamstress, but life had other plans. Seeking better opportunities, she left St. Mary for Kingston, where she believed she could better support her family. She found work in Kingston-not as a seamstress but in a sewing shop, where she was required to iron the clothes that were made. She also got the opportunity to improve her skill as she would watch the seamstress. Proud of her craft, she became well known for her impeccable ironing skills and her ability to sew sheet sets. During her years in Kingston, Icilda became a mother to five children-two sons, who are now deceased, and three daughters. In 1971, she married Alexander Creary, the father of her youngest child. He was an entrepreneur, and she worked alongside him in his business for many years. However, when their marriage ended, she transitioned into the role of a single mother, shouldering the full responsibility of raising her children-financially, emotionally, and socially. Icilda ensured that her children attended both school and church, emphasizing the importance of education. She often expressed gratitude to her nephews, William Dacres, Lloyd Henry, and Banny, who supported her financially. Despite the struggles, she took pride in her children's achievements and was known for sharing their achievements with the community. When her eldest daughter, Angela Mitchell, migrated to the Cayman Islands, Icilda proudly spoke of her generosity. Angela regularly sent supplies, including sweets and other goods, which Icilda sold to help provide for her younger children. Later, Angela moved to the United States and filed for her mother to join her-a new chapter in Icilda's life. Upon her arrival in the U.S., Icilda took on the cherished role of caring for her grandson, Andre Mitchell. She embraced this responsibility with love and dedication, even supplementing her income by caring for two additional children. Though she was happy for the opportunity, her transition was bittersweet-she longed for home but welcomed the chance to better support her family. Despite the distance, she remained deeply connected to her roots, frequently sending barrels and money back to Jamaica. Earlier I mentioned that she loved singing, and she was always singing, and often boasted that her grandson got his singing skills from her. Living with her son-in-law and daughter she was encouraged by Fredrich and Angela to go to church and was later baptized at the Hope 7th Day Adventist in Bloomfield. As the years passed, Icilda faced health challenges, including diabetes and high blood pressure, which ultimately led to vision loss. Losing her independence was particularly difficult for her. In October 2024, her health declined significantly, and on March 5, 2025, at the age of 94 she passed peacefully at home. She is survived by her three daughters, Angela, Viva and judith, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. As we reflect on her journey, we celebrate a life of resilience, love, and unwavering dedication to family. Icilda Esty's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. The family will receive friends on Sunday, march 23, 2025 Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1052 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, Ct from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm, with service at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Jamaica, West Indies To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Icilda, please visit our floral store.