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For the full Eulogy by Alicia Mondesire (Sister)-click here Myrtle Anne Marie Solomon August 29, 1947- May 19, 2009
Born in the island of Aruba in 1947 to Helen and Symbert Mondesire, Myrtle attended the Convent High School in Dominica in her early years; and as an adult studied Journalism at Centennial College and Business at Ryerson University and in Toronto. Her zest for seeking new frontiers led her to return to Dominica in 1982, when she accepted a position as Editor of the Dominica Chronicle; and she later became the Manager of the Dominica Broadcasting Services (DBS). Prior to these appointments, she was a reporter at the first black community newspaper in Toronto called 'Contrast'; had photographed celebrities such as the late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; and was the Founding Director of the Dominica Development Foundation, raising thousands of dollars for Dominica 's rehabilitation following Hurricane David. She co-produced a post-disaster film documenting the devastation of the Hurricane.
In Dominica during the 1982 to 1988 period, she served as Chairperson of the Communications and Emergency Preparedness Sub-Committee for Partners of the Americas . She was a Member of the Welfare Sub-Committee for the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO), and Member of the Media Sub-Committee of NEPO.
In her youth, she dazzled observers with her physical beauty, while she harnessed her creativity to pioneer events such as the Down Town Dancers in Dominica , the Carnival Princess Show in Dominica , and numerous family performances.
However, it is for the spiritual leadership and nourishment to which she dedicated her life that she will be most remembered. Her consistent and respectful devotion was the hallmark of her life until the very end. The grandeur of her faith touched thousands of people through the Jesus in the City Parade / Festival of Praise which she co-founded. Close friends consistently experienced the selfless, generous sharing of her faith. She was the spiritual leader for her family, and led them on a path to discovering and accepting the power of the Holy Spirit. She could invoke this strength with ease and confidence. She knew what to pray about and which prayer to pray for any occasion.
Fragrances were a fascination for her; and not surprisingly, she wrote a book entitled Eternal Fragrance .
In her sudden passing, she has bequeathed us with an abundance of experiences and memories so numerous and special that they will continue to feed our imagination and intellect forever. We feel depleted in our loss; although secure in knowing she is at peace. We give thanks for Myrtle's life, and for the enduring joy she has imparted to us. |
