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Eulogy by Alicia Mondesire (Sister) My Sister Myrtle would have reveled in the choreography of her Homegoing. Renowned as an event organizer, she would have approved highly of the service and the arrangements that have been made to carry her to the Lord. Of course she would have liked to have made the arrangements herself.
Dynamism. Drive. Creativity. A devoted Mother. A Sister who gave freely of her time, and asked for nothing in return. Humble, yet strong; passionate yet respectful.
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 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 Dominica Broadcasting Services (DBS). Prior to these appointments, she was a Reporter at the first black community newspaper in Toronto, 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.
A fount of strength, she was an emotional pillar for our family, and for countless friends. Known for her warmth and profound spirituality, she embraced people around her and made them feel that they belonged.
She immersed herself deeply in current affairs, and I credit my first exposure to the aspiring candidate for the US presidency, Barack Obama, to her diligent observation of global trends. On the morning of her death, she remembered to send me an email, sharing with me the news that President Clinton had been appointed as the UN Special Envoy to Haiti , remarking that she thought of my work there. 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 which she co-founded. Close friends consistently experienced the selfless, generous sharing of her faith. She was the spiritual leader for our family, and led us 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. It is to her that I owe my own spiritual renewal.
An intensely private person in her later years, she would be intrigued at the public scrutiny of her life.
She could laugh up a storm. Her dimpled smile was a source of joy to so many. She believed in beauty, and savoured the graceful things in life. Fragrances were a fascination for her; and not surprisingly, she wrote a book entitled, Eternal Fragrance , which we will publish as a family.
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.
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