Angela
The Burial Rite in Celebration for the life of
LOUISE BURROWS SUNRISE: 27th May, 1966 SUNSET: 7th December, 2020 AGED: 54 years
SERVICE HELD AT: Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleums John F. Kennedy Drive & Gladstone Road, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas on
Thursday 17th December, 2020 1:00 p.m. OFFICIATING Archdeacon Keith N. Cartwright Rev. Fr. B. Travis Fernander Rev’d. Peter L. Ferguson Rev’d. Ruel J. Strachan
Obituary
Angela Louise Burrow was born on May 27th, 1966 to the late Wilbur Burrows and Mary Elizabeth Burrows in Lower Deadman’s Cay, Long Island, Bahamas. Her educational years were formed at N.G.M Major All Age School on Long Island. After the passing of her father, the family moved to New Providence in 1981. At a young age, Angela met and married Dorag Punwasi. While the union did not last, it was blessed with two sons, Vijay and Vishnu. Love would come again in the form of Papito Rigby where the couple was blessed with a daughter; Le’Annka. Her last and true love was Spence Finlayson, with whom Angela spent 15 wonderful years as life partners. Angela was a woman of unquestionable integrity, with an infectious spirit and a devoted mother whose children were her pride and joy. The same infectious spirit that endeared her to her family and friends brought her success throughout her career. Always the picture of style and grace, Angela commandeered the luxury counters first at Little Switzerland and then John Bull for many years. She then transitioned to the Plaza Convenience Store, where she was a fixture for 15 plus years. She was well loved by her customers, particularly the staff of Commonwealth Bank and nearby Mackey Street community. After her departure from Plaza Convenience, Angela undertook her final role at Commonwealth Bank’s Wulff Road branch. She was well loved by staff and clients as a dedicated employee who always went above and beyond the call of duty, even while battling her illness. Angela was a staunch member of the Free National Movement and the Long Islanders Association. She loved her home island and spent many regattas celebrating life with her best friends Denise Ferguson and Janet Russell, and close cousin Victoria Burrows. She loved family gatherings and was the official planner for all of the Burrows family parties. Angela had a love for cats, mothering many over the years, but her three fur babies Pluto, Luna and Cosmo held a special place in her heart. In 2017, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer which, like all the challenges in her life, she faced with courage. Always the fighter, she underwent countless surgeries and treatments throughout the years, and even when compounded by renal complications, she braved ahead in her
fight against the disease with her children and Spence by her side every step of the way. On the morning of December 7th, 2020 at her home, Angela slipped peacefully from labour to reward. She fought the good fight, she kept her faith and she finished her course. The love and tender memories of our Angela will forever live on in the hearts of her mother, her children, her true love, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, coworkers and friends. Left to cherish Angela’s memories are her mother: Mary Burrows; children: Vijay Punwasi, Vishnu Punwasi, and Le’Annka Rigby; life partner: Spence Finlayson; fur babies: Luna, Pluto & Cosmo; sisters: Shirley Fernander, Sharon Burrows, Karen Sampson; brothers: Rudolph, Donald, William, Samuel, David, and Desmond Burrows; nieces & nephews: Michael and Romeo Culmer, Brandon Fernander, Desmond Fernander, Susan Woodside, Dario Woodside, Tonya Sampson, Shantina Sampson, Christina Burrows, Evandro Lynes, Donrica, Akeem, Yuwanna, Nia, Pedro, and Kevin Burrows, Lakeisha Burrows-Patton, Lamech Burrows, Desmond Burrows Jr., Samuel Burrows Jr., Chad Burrows, Zaria Burrows; aunts & uncles: Effie Cartwright (deceased), Geneva (deceased), Errington (deceased), Neville Watkins (deceased), Elsie and Shirley Knowles and Marge Wallace; grand nieces & nephews: M’kaylah, Mikheel & M’Caiyah Culmer, Jauné Gibson, Cavin Cummings Jr., Jeniah & Jordyn Burrows, Cayden & Cai-Lily Catalyn, Jacquan & Cayden Woodside, Rylan Burrows, Chardonnay Burrows; numerous cousins & extended family: Janet Russell and family, Victoria Burrows, Denise Ferguson and family,
Gwen & Allen Edilall and family, Joey, Jerry and Paige Knowles, Jasmine, Shawn, Floree, Rayann, Virgill, Clyde, Clinton, and Junior Cartwright, Patsy, Joyce, Marina and Mervin Burrows, Viola Burrows, Miriam Proctor & family, Marjorie & Robert Archer and family, Wilma, Deborah, Evelyn, Isaac, George and Mary Watkins,; in-laws: Andrew Fernander (deceased), Alpheus Sampson, Maneria Burrows, Jonece Burrows, Carolee Burrows, Eyvette Culmer, Rashad Patton, Bernadette Burrows, Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson, Roosevelt and Iris Finlayson, Viola, Diane, Victor, and Douglas Wimbish, Laurena Finlayson, Kwame Finlayson, Oscar Finlayson, Alexis Finlayson-Hanna Dr. Khalid Hanna, Marissa Wimbish-Knowles; other friends and relatives: the entire Deadman’s Cay community, the staff at Commonwealth Bank Ltd. especially the Wulff Road branch and mortgage crew, the Culmer Family & Plaza Convenience team, Ralph & Ann McHardy, Richard McHardy and family, Denise Victoria, Rochelle Gaitor, Mavis Cartwright and family, the Munnings family, the Marshall family, Kevin Cleare, Rex Major, Ellis & Ingrid Major, Linda Carey, Nurse Barr, Iris Ferguson and family, Judy Ferguson, Craig Tony Gomez, Dr. Clive K. Gaskins, Dr. Ricardo Crawford, Phyliss Albury-Garraway, Barbara and Sheena Fox, Jackie Sealey, Joanne Mullings, Shawn Francis, Bishop Reevie Francis and family, SAC Class of 1973, Kingsley Munroe, Leon and Nancy Williams, Tia Thompson & Monalisa McPhee, Charpella & Gaynell Rolle, the Lee Family, Brian & Anishka Wilson, Catherine Duncombe, Ricardo & Patsy Wilson, Phill Smith, Abraham, Harry and King David, Ken and Lorraine Clarke; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Order of Service
MINISTER: Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails, every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23 Jesus said, do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9 We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job1:21 MINISTER:
In the midst of life we are in death; from whom can we seek help? From you alone, O Lord, who by our sins are justly angered.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Lord you know the secrets of our hearts; shut not your ears to our prayers. but spare us, O Lord. Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal One, have mercy upon us. O worthy and eternal Jude; do not let the pains of death turn us away from you at our last hour.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.
HYMN | “Through All The Changing Scenes of Life” Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
O make but trial of His love; Experience will decide How blessed are they, and only they, Who in His truth confide.
The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succour trust. MINISTER:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant ANGELA and we pray that, having opened to her the gates of larger life, you will receive her more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. All:
Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON | Rev. Fr. B. Travis Fernander (Nephew) Reader: A reading from First Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 50 to 58 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Reader:
The Word of The Lord
All:
Thanks be to God.
A TRIBUTE | Ms. LeAnnka Rigby (Daughter) HOMILY | Venerable Keith N. Cartwright THE COMMENDATION Minister: Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints. All: Where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Minister: You only are immortal, the Creator and Maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.� All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! All: Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Minister: Let us commend our sister ANGELA to the mercy of God our Maker and redeemer. Deliver your servant, ANGELA, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit You live and reign, one God forever and ever. All: Amen. Minister: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant ANGELA, Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. All: Amen THE COMMITTAL Minister: Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me; I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.
You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: “Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth,” says the Spirit, “they may rest from their labours, for they take with them the record of their deeds.” Man born of woman has but a short time to live. Like a flower he blossoms and then withers; like a shadow he flees and never stays. In the midst of life we are in death; to whom can we turn for help, but to you, Lord, who are justly angered by our sins? Lord God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death. You know the secrets of our hearts: In your mercy hear our prayer, forgive us our sins, and at our last hour let us not fall away from you. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister ANGELA; and we commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make His face to shine upon her and be gracious unto her, the Lord lift up her countenance upon her and give her peace. All:
Amen.
Minister: Let us pray. Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Minister: Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life: Raise us, we humbly pray, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; that when we depart this life we may rest in him, and at the resurrection receive that blessing which your well-beloved Son shall then pronounce: “Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.” Grant this, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. All: Amen.
Minister: Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the Spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Minister: All:
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Minister: May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. All: Amen. Minister: The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make His face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up His countenance upon her and give her peace. All:
Amen.
Minister: All:
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Minister: All:
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
Minister: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb. The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Into paradise may the angels lead thee; and at thy coming may the martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy city Jerusalem.
MINISTER: Unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. CLOSING HYMNS | “It Is Well” When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been thou forever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness; morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth, thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
To My European Queen
My light went out on Monday December 7th, when my queen Angela, made her transition, sitting in bed after I made her breakfast. It was a terrible shock because we all believed that she was making favorable progress towards recovery. But God in His infinite wisdom, had other plans. You were going to your Heavenly home. You were not only a wonderful partner and mother, but you were also a meticulous housekeeper, great cook and homemaker. Our home will truly never be the same without you. You were with me every step of the way, whether it be professional or leisure matters, and you were an outstanding helpmate in the truest sense of the word. There was not any venture I took on, that you didn’t dedicate your effort in its entirety to. You were my ace navigator with a great sense of direction, in every aspect of my life. On our trips, you were the designated navigator, and never led us wrong, and when it came to personal direction, well, your opinions and guidance were a necessity that simply made everything make sense. You were very cheerful and as they say “always one way”, making friends anywhere we went. There was no telling how long our Saturday runs would go, because once you stepped into a place, it was anticipated that you would take much longer than expected, making conversation and helping others along the way. You loved your home, Long Island, and always made regular visits, and I am so happy that you got to experience it for the last time in recent years. Regattas will not be the same without you. I am certain. I will truly miss our evenings together, laying on the couch while Luna, Pluto & Cosmo chased each other’s tails, and you decided which one of your shows we were going to indulge in. I am eternally grateful that you gave me 15 wonderful years. You inspired me in ways I cannot explain.
So as 2 Timothy 4:7 says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith “. Baby take your rest now in the arms of your everlasting God. Love forever,
Spence
Mom
...
Seeing you draped in white, My heart breaks, hope out of sight. Mom you left me and the world too soon I hadn’t loved you enough. Our relationship was never ideal, Our journey very tough. My love for you hasn’t died So I will not entomb its heart. I’ll let it manifest in things Let this be a new start. As you leave today Let me cry, let me say My mom was my hero my everything. Leading me right, away from wrong Forgiving and loving A star so bright. So I lose today My support, my light. My dear Mom. Making my life bright. Losing my mom, I lost myself today In darkness so deep I try to find light, just a ray Just enough to hold on to life. All I can say right now is, mommy... You are in a better place. No more pain. No more suffering. God’s newest angel. My sweet mother, I miss you so much. Love you forever and always,
Your son, Vijay
Your smile was so infectious Your kindness was so rare, Your voice was oh so gentle, To show how much you cared God smiled when he created you, because he knew how special you would be To everyone around you, especially the Burrows family
To Our Sister If flowers grow in heaven, On land that’s wild and free, Lord place some in my sister’s arms And tell her they’re from me. Please tell her that I love her, And miss her every day. And tell her there’s still so much, That I would like to say. Remembering her is easy. She’s in everything I do. I miss her so much every day, But I know she’s safe with you. If tears could build a stairway, Made from all the pain, I’d walk right up to heaven, And bring her back again. Lord please take care of her, And I hope that she will see, That she was such a special person, And a special sister to me. Love your sisters,
Shirley, Sharon & Karen
Deadman’s Cay, Long Island was your place of birth, The youngest daughter of the Burrows clan and the best Aunty on God’s green earth Aunty Angie, this really hurts, as you are no longer here to call and say, “Hey Neppy” or “Hey Keisha, your Aunty Angie loves you and enjoy your day” Christmas was always your favourite time of year, oh this was so true, A gift from you was always something we looked forward to God saw your pain and felt your sorrow, and that was way too much for you to go through He knew you needed rest from all of the pain So He picked you for His flower garden because He needed you. Love,
Keisha and Lamech
Our Angie was a fighter, a role model and most importantly, a God-fearing woman! We will always remember her for her kindness, infectious smile and a wonderful personality. Her warm presence, good work ethics and discipline will truly be missed by her Commonwealth Bank Wulff Road family. We are comforted by Spafford’s lyrics… When peace, like a river, attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, It is well, with her soul
Words cannot explain the emptiness we feel.
Now that you are gone it’s really so surreal. You always knew just what to say and just the thing to do. How are we now supposed to feel ? Please tell us what to do! Aunt Angie, nothing will be the same in our lives now and we have a void. I pray one day we meet again in Heaven to reap our reward. Sleep in sweet peace Aunty,
From Christina, Cavin, and Rudy
My beautiful sweet loving sister I don’t know how to go on now that you are gone. I know that God
doesn’t make any mistakes, so I know that he picked a lovely angel to be with him. I will never forget all the memories we have shared together from babies to now. You will forever be in my heart little sister, and I will always love you. Your big sis,
Cherry
Y
ou were my fun, energetic, loving Aunt. You were practically my second mother, and you would always take me out with you! Oh how I will miss all those memories. I still can’t believe you are gone, but just know that I will never forget you and I will always love you. Your beautiful niece,
Susie
To My Aunt
Losing a loved one is never easy; it takes away a piece of you. The only comfort is knowing that you are in a better place, safe in your savior’s arms. Away from pain, away from strife. But even with this comfort, you will be missed beyond measure. I will miss hearing you say “my beautiful niece” or knowing that whatever I am doing, you will support. I will always think back to my pageant days, you were front and center, cheering me on. Aunty Angie, take your rest now, I will continue to sing and continue to be your beautiful niece, your light will continue to shine bright in all of us, until we meet again. “What we once have enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us” – Helen Keller Love your beautiful niece,
Donrica
Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow after the passing of my best friend. Losing
someone we love is nothing easy, but we are blessed to have been able to share in your life. My tears are flowing for a great friend, a wonderful soul, a woman of distinguished humanity. Your wonderful and gentle soul will remain in our hearts. Our souls are hardened by the pain of the disappearance of someone we knew, appreciated, admired and loved. When we lose a loved one here on earth we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. To my best friend of 26 years, Angie... goodbye for now. I pray for eternal repose. Sleep on and take your rest in the loving arms of Jesus. I will miss you, and will forever cherish the fond memories forever. I love you.
Denise ‘Pinky’ Ferguson
Message of Gratitude We the family of the late Angela Louise Burrows, wish to express our
humble gratitude and sincere appreciation to those who, in one way or another, provided our family with support and prayers. Your prayers and most especially your presence with us today are greatly appreciated and has helped to strengthen us during our time of sorrow. We wish God’s blessings of peace upon you. With love, From the family
PALL BEARERS Rudolph Burrows William Burrows David Burrows
Donald Burrows Samuel Burrows Desmond Burrows
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