Pallbearers escort the coffin of the late educator, Cecelita Rose Daley, from the Holy Trinity Church in Montego Bay, St James last week Tuesday afternoon. - Photo by Claudia Gardner

MONTEGO BAY, St James:

Family members and friends poured out tributes for late educator, Cecelita Rose Daley, during a funeral mass held last week Tuesday at the Holy Trinity Church in Montego Bay, St James.

Dr Errol Daley, the eldest of her six children, in delivering his mother's remembrance, said she was the chief consoler, counsellor, and one of the most unselfish persons to grace Earth.

"She taught us the art of living, of loving, of hope," he said.

'No remedy for love'

"She held faith close to her bosom. She let us understand that there was no remedy for love but to love more. She was an old-fashioned teacher and she cared for children first and foremost."

Mrs Daley, who was also the mother of The Gleaner's corporate affairs and marketing manager, Karin Cooper, was the former headmistress of Farm All-Age School. She also taught at Albion Primary and Junior High School and Cornwall College before retiring from teaching.

She spent a large portion of her time engaged in community service and was a former president of the Lionesses Club, chairperson of the Young Women's Christian Association, the St John's Ambulance and the St James chapter of the Jamaica Agricultural Society.

Family friend, Dr Anthony Vendryes, in his tribute, lauded Mrs Daley, whom he first met in 1964, as a good wife, homemaker, friend, confidante and a dedicated community member.

"She embodied the very essence of motherhood," he said.

The Alpha Delta Kappa International Sorority for Women Educators also paid a written tribute to the life of Mrs Daley, who the organisation noted was a firm believer in rendering altruistic service.

"Over the years, she aligned herself to the Alpha Delta Sorority for Women Educators. Here, her primary purpose was to develop strong professional recognition for women educators," the tribute read.

"She served well and was always present at meetings. As president, she continued to give dignity to the association as she helped members to develop pride in the association.

She extended benevolence to the underprivileged within the schools whenever this was drawn to her attention.

The mass was also attended by several representatives from the Montego Bay business community and the medical fraternity.

Mrs Cecelita Rose Daley, who died at the Montego Bay Urology Centre on September 29, is also survived by husband, Leslie.

- Claudia Gardner.