As they say, the loss of a loved one is a a void that cannot be filled and the memories we have are our comfort. My grandma was not just my grandma but she was special. Growing up I didn’t know my Dad’s mom because she passed away before my parents got married. She was my Mom’s mom Grand-mom and she wore many hats.
To lose a grandmother is to lose an anchor in the family — the keeper of traditions, the storyteller of generations, the one whose love reached beyond time. Her absence leaves an empty chair, but her presence lingers in every word she shared, every prayer she once whispered. Though her hands have rested, her legacy continues — in the lives she shaped, in the love she sowed, and in the strength she passed down.
My grandmom, the late Jassodra Dookie was known by many as Celia or Lady Celia. Many know her as the lady who sold plantain in the Point Fortin Market for many years. Many in the village would remember the early mornings when she and my Grandfather would toil in their garden and they also did that for many years. That in summary captures their hardworking nature and as they got older, that became something they both had to ease up doing. They were a team and they worked together.
She was a very giving person and this is one of the many things she will be remembered for. Her life was filled with giving and giving freely. So, let me ask: Is there a story in a name? “Jassodra”
Putting together pieces, one could infer that:
“Jassodra” might be a variant or relative of Jasoda/Yashoda.
If so, it might carry similar resonances: mother-figure, someone with goodness or kindness.
For as far back as I could remember, as mentioned my Grandma was a very hardworking woman. This hard work was a rhythm she lived by through her entire life and she was very independent in that she did what she needed to. Whether in her home or in her garden, or in the market, she poured herself fully into every task. Her life was filled with giving and giving freely. More so, when you caught her laughter or her smile, know it was one to treasure.
Her love was not quiet—it was felt in the way she welcomed people and she loved giving advice because this was her very nature. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend of many.
While we as her grandkids have lost a grandmother, her sisters have lost their eldest sister, my Mom and her siblings have lost their Mom, our kids have lost their great- grandmom, her nieces and nephews have lost an aunt, and yes, I could go on, but I am saying all of this to stress on the fact, that she will not be forgotten. Memories of her will bring comfort to those taking the lessons her life taught us and putting them to good use.
She loved to read and at times was known for a joke or two. Those who knew her knew she always bought newspapers and when she didn’t, would still get the newspapers to read. She showed us that strength is found not in the size of what you have, but in the care and effort you put into what you do.
Perhaps yes, her greatest gift was generosity. My grandmother gave freely and she never hesitated to share whatever she had, no matter how big or small.
Today, we celebrate her life not only with memories but with the lessons she leaves behind.
My grandmother may no longer be with us in person, but her spirit lives in our acts of love, every hard-earned success, every act of kindness we extend to others. Her life was a blessing, and her memory is a legacy we carry forward with gratitude.
Jassodra Dookie, also known as Celia, will be lovingly remembered as:
Daughter of: Puloo & Kola Ramlakhan (both deceased)
Wife of: Ramlal Dookie (deceased)
Mother of: Doris, Dora, Dolsie, Bena, Jaggernauth, Rajdaye & Kaysika Devi (deceased)
Sister of: Betty, Sita, Vinda, Rookmin (deceased), Sookraj (deceased), Doodnath (deceased) & Bharose (deceased)
Grandmother of: Rachael Ann, Ria, Ricky, Sasha, Adesh, Rishi, Imran, Candice, Sarah Lynn, Vincent, Leah, Premnauth, Susan, Joseph & Josiah
Great Grandmother of: Richie Lee, Kaytlyn, Yadu Datta, Regan, Rayaz, Renissa, Ezra, Marissa, Amelia, Alissa, Sofia, Stephon, Emma, Levi, Enoch, Lilly Ann & Lucas
Granddaughter of: Sonia & Ramnauth Sadoo
Aunt of: Merlin, Anjie, Anita, Sharda, Ria, Pradeep, Manoj, Michael, Nina, Stephen, Vishal, Roopa, Deepa, Narvin, Nellie, Indar & many others
Cousin of: Rose, Baby, Jai, Deokie, Sai, Vihar & many others
Niece of: Uncle Premchand Mahabirsingh
Daughter-in-law of: Gobin Dookie
Mother-in-law of: Winston, Rajesh, Hosein, Rosemarie, Sharaz & Ramjit (deceased)
Sister-in-law of: Ram & Ashford
Relative of: the Dookie’s, Atal’s & many others
Friend of: Tanty Golly, Doolin & many others
The passing of a loved one reminds us of life’s preciousness. It teaches us to cherish every moment, to express love and gratitude without delay, and to forgive where we can. Life is fleeting, and in its impermanence, we learn to focus on what truly matters—relationships, kindness, and leaving a positive mark on the world. Though loss brings pain, it also brings clarity: to live with purpose, to embrace the small joys, and to treasure the memories that keep those we love alive in our hearts.
Some meaningful lessons include:
- Value Time: Life is short, so spend time on what truly matters—family, friends, passions, and experiences.
- Express Love and Gratitude: Don’t wait to say “I love you” or “thank you.” People may not always be around.
- Live with Purpose: Death reminds us to live intentionally and make a positive impact while we can.
- Embrace Forgiveness: Holding grudges wastes precious energy; life is too short to carry anger.
- Appreciate the Small Things: Everyday moments—laughter, nature, a kind word—gain significance when we reflect on life’s fragility.
- Acceptance of Impermanence: Life is fleeting; learning to accept change and loss brings peace.
- Leave a Legacy: Our actions, love, and memories live on in others—focus on what you want to be remembered for.
- Prioritize Health and Well-being: Life’s unpredictability teaches us to care for ourselves and others.
Celebrating Existence 