Mary Pat ricia Cleare RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR
Born: September 13th, 1927 Died: March 6th, 2015 Age: 87 Years Service held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Boyd Road Nassau, Bahamas
March 14th, 2015 9:30am
Officiating: Monsignor Alfred Culmer Commentator: Ms. Patricia Coakley Organist: Mr. Cyril Baker Mr. Francis Richardson
Interment: Eastern Cemetery East Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas
MARY PATRICIA CLEARE
Predeceased by her son Ted Sealy DAUGHTERS: Patricia Mortimer, Maria Sealy of New York SPECIAL KIN: Bridgette Musgrove, Renaye Brown-Cuyler Esquire, Roxie Rolle, Ruby Rojas DAUGHTER IN LAW: Saundra Sealy, SON IN LAW: Ormand “Stan” Davis GRAND SON IN LAW: Odley Aritis GRANDCHILDREN:- Philippa Aritis, Marcian and Mario Duncanson, Nekia, Nestaea and Theo Elyett Sealy. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Mason, Ariel, Kalep, Ashanti and Angel Duncanson, Patek Aritis, Mikai Nottage, Rome Sands, Jewlz Barnes SPECIAL FRIEND: - Edward Thompson NEICES & NEPHEWS: H. Campbell Cleare III; Carol Roker-Gomez, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ford, Italia Duncanson, Charlene Cash; The Greene Family, Farrington Family, Cleare Family, Byron and Donna Smith & Family, Marjorie & Dominique Greene, Barbara Greene, Paul Richardson, Fredericka Chisholm, Hope Curry, Stephen Sealy & family, William Nottage, Jr. GOD DAUGHTER: Michelle Grant. FAMILY & FRIENDS: Dion Smith & Family, Stephen Sealy, Patsy Smith, Angela Cartwright & Family, Mae Morton-Curry & Family, Denise & Tex Turnquest & Family, Jayson & Eloise Moxey & Family, Philip Lightbourn & Family, H.E. Dame Marguerite Pindling & Family, The Right Hon. Perry G. & Mrs. Bernadette Christie & Family, Meryl Deveaux, Sandra Christie & Family, Renate Gruesser-Herman & Robert Herman, Beverly J. T. Taylor, Beverly Smith, Sylvester Providence, Eloise Cleare, The Barnett Family, The Huyler Family, The Isaacs Family, The Styles Family, The Hon. Fred Mitchell, The Hon. Arthur Dion Hanna, Lady Zoe Maynard & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Brendan Foulkes, Mr. Mrs. Kelly
Cartwight, Don Cartwright, The Hon. & Mrs. Arnold Forbes, Franklyn & Sharon Wilson & Family, Sir Garet & Lady Rowena Finlayson, Donna C. Smith & family, Mr. & Mrs. Valentine Grimes, Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Roberts & Family, Mr. Livingstone & Mrs. Claire Hepburn & Family, Mr. Godfrey Eneas, Antoinette Russell, Mr.& Mrs. Neville Wisdom & Family, Paul Andy Gomez, Patricia Nichols & Family, Robin & Patrice Nichols, Errol & Ginette Brown, Percy Rolle, Norma Dean & Family, Roscoe & Violet Weech & Family, Margaret Meeres, Mr. & Mrs. Asa Ferguson & Family, The Hon. Perry Gomez, Mr. & Mrs. Zack NasNas, Maxine Prendergast, Hilton & Inga Bowleg, Una Williams & Family, Emily Colebrooke & Family, Judy Alleyne, Donald Daley, Cynthia Maynard & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Sean McWeeney & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Paul McWeeney & Family, Kyron, Zandra & Michaela Strachan & Family, Paul and Jan Major, Samuel “Bookie” & Inez Johnson, Dr. Anthony & Mrs. Ella Davis & Family, Maddie Ledard, Ruben & Raquel Fox, Stella Nichols & Family, Paula Hanna-Miller, Camille Johnson, Dr. Rudy King, Dr. Ada Thompson, Dr. Michael White, Dr. Providence, Peter & Phyllis Garroway, Pina, Stanya, Meredith & Suzette Davis, Adriane Wells, Brenda Newton, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Woods, Rev. & Mrs. Alfred Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Bethel, Anthony “Boozie” & Elva Rolle, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sawyer, Dr. & Mrs. Beverton Moxey, Mr. & Mrs.
Maitland Thompson, Sylvia Sealy-Godet, The Crawley Family, Duke Davis, Keith Rolle & Family, Frank Burrows & Family, Dr. Carlos & Mrs. Loretta Thomas, Mr. Silbert & Mrs. Arlene Ferguson, Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Johnson, George Sands, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Turner, Michael Symonette, Mr. & Mrs. Wently Fowler, Earlin Williams, Sister Cecilia Albury, Donna Moxey & Family, Mr. & Mrs. John Archer, William “Bill” Poitier, Andrew McKinney, Frank Burrows & Family, Ricardo Chandler, Roy Adams, Mike Sax, Andrea Jenore, Mr. & Mrs. Raphael Etienne, Patricia Mitchell, Dale Joseph, Capt. Frederick & Deidre Gray, Randy & Olga Forbes, Nashon Rolle, Barbara Pierre, Patricia Coakley & Family, The Pond Community, Management & Staff The Patmor Group of Companies, The Board of Directors of Bahamasair, The Board of Directors of Playtech Systems, The New Years Group, The National General Council of The Progressive Liberal Party, Ladies Auxilliary Guild of St. Joseph’s Parish, The Bahamas National Festival Commission, The Stapledon Gardens Community
Remembering
Mary Patricia Cleare A happy God centered life of selfless service, humility and love.
T
he first thing you noticed about Mary Patricia Cleare is that she could sum up a person’s character in split seconds just by watching how they laughed, how they dressed, how they spoke and even how they walked. This unique ability gave her an extra edge in achieving life- long friendships and associations with just about everyone privileged to cross her path. She made you feel absolutely comfortable in her presence; but if you were smart - you would notice that even while she was checking you out; she had this dignified charm about her and confidence; that your encounter with her would not be your last; and the impression she was about to leave on you would be with you forever. Her major weapon of choice was her home spun humour. She had different jokes for different people on different days. Plus she put herself into her stories. Her voice, her movements and her grace and poise defined her. If there was tension in the atmosphere … don’t worry… once Mommy Mae, as she was affectionately called was present, she would diffuse it. But she was no Joker. She approached
anything she put her hands to with a passion and skill and she prided herself on her routine and her commitments. Sunday was church. Saturday evening was Church. Having to be both Father and Mother to her children she could be stern and allowed no room for frivolous compromise. Her children knew that Mommy Mae loved them sincerely but she was not one to bow to the cradle. She was never afraid of hard work and even later on in her life after her retirement from her Office Manager positio with the Trust Corporation, one of this country’s first major Offshore Banks; she threw herself into her children’s enterprises and could function as Receptionist, Secretary, Book Keeper, Inventory Clerk, Dismissal Officer and funeral home manager. She entered the world as the fourth child of Mary Louise Greene and Hugh Cleare on the 13th day of September 1929 in Nassau. The family resided in what was then called “The Pond” that area of East Shirley Street, which comprised the front end of Mackey Street, Williams, Earnest and York Streets, and Okra Hill. The family was Roman Catholic and Mommy Mae took all of her early sacraments at Sacred Heart Church. Her parents were honest and earnest small business operators; who also took on various jobs during the seasonal tourism periods. It was a good and safe and decent life, and Momma Mae also
reminded her own children of the love and protection her parents imparted to her. In turn she taught her children to care for each other, have an interest in their fellowmen and never be afraid to give - because no one can out give God. Looking back now, it is almost funny to appreciate that Mommy Mae actually became close friends of her children’s friends. This was due to her engaging spirit and wholesomeness. Her children’s friends saw in her this awesome mother figure so in tune with her children to the point where there was a discernible friendship right in the midst of the parent/child relationship. And just as she did with her children, Mommy Mae nurtured, cherished and fawned over her grand children. Their friends soon too, grew to latch on to Mommy Mae as theirs as well. Her pride was in having her children around her and their children. And yes she insisted on their friends over at her place for special occasions. Christmas began for her in August. She would stress anyone who dared get in the way of her search for the fruits and nuts and spices for her prized Fruit Cakes. She would inquire as to where and who had the best dried apricots and peaches, and yes sometimes it also required a trip abroad to get all of her confectionary pieces all lined up and ready for her legendary three month preservation process.
The East was dominated by a Pepsi Cola Bottling Plant and Mommy Mae found work there soon after leaving senior school. Her job was on the assembly line where she would look for bottles that needed to be cleaned or wiped with her cloths and reset on what could only have been a cumbersome piece of machinery. Trying to do her job one day, the conveyor belt accidently sprung into gear, and Mommy Mae was seriously injured with fingers severely cut, profusely bleeding and dangling. The Plant Foreman reluctantly stopped the process and stubbornly allowed her to leave work and be taken to the hospital.
Her kitchen became a work station for elves just before Thanksgiving as she began her Cakes and stored them away for the holiday season. To watch her packaging her Fruit Cakes and labeling them for her long list of friends for whom she had gone to all this bother is still a delightful story in the family. Mommy Mae then had to instruct her delivery team to get the Fruit Cakes to her friends and/or summon her telemarketing team to let her friends know that their annual Christmas Gifts were ready to be picked up. This was the love which shone so brightly from within her inner peace and spirit. Mommy Mae had learnt as a young woman that life comes at you fast but no one out runs God. She wore her ups and downs not as regrets; but shared with others her life story as a means of strengthening them.
The following day, home with her hand bandaged and in severe pain and traumatized that her hand would never again be the same, the Plant Foreman asked why she was not at work. Told about the seriousness of her injury, the man ordered that her salary be docked for each day she was away because “ she don’t need her hands to stand up in here and watch the bottles.� Soon after this experience Mommy Mae found employment with Trust Corporation, down town and worked for many years until her retirement. From this job she raised and reared her three children, Patricia, Maria and Teddy. There was not a mean spirited bone in this woman. She knew how to forgive and often times people who had done her wrong were surprised to meet her and see the love and forgiveness she offered. Her children were determined that
their Mother enjoy her retirement years .Mommy Mae travelled and was prominent in the adventures and pursuits of all her grandchildren. Some found it hard to distinguish between Mommy Mae as grandmother or mother. She worked each role so effortlessly. Her home was theirs and her love was unending. When she took her great grandson Mason as a little boy and decided this was a blessing God had sent her; she went about her parenting chores with a fierce urgency and determination. It was as if she felt that she had so much more love to give even after her own children were now adults and getting on in their professional lives. Here was a Lady who sat small but stood TALL. Her work speaks for itself and manifests itself every day in the faces and attitudes of the people whose lives she influenced. Her Children are sworn to defend, protect and emulate her enviable legacy. Long May She live in our memory.
PRE-SERVICE COMMENTATOR: Mrs. Pratricia Coakley SOLO: Mr. Brian Christie TRIBUTE: H. Campbell Cleare III, Nephew TRIBUTE: Theo Elyett Sealy, Nephew TRIBUTE: Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling GCMG, Governor General The Commonwealth of the Bahamas
ORDER OF SERVICE Antiphon (together):
I place all my trust in You my God: All my hope is in your saving word.
Celebrant: Assembly:
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. O let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
Celebrant: Assembly:
If You, O Lord, should mark our guilt; Lord, who would survive? But with You is found forgiveness: For this we revere You.
Celebrant: Assembly:
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on His Word: My soul is longing for the Lord more than the watchman for daybreak.
Celebrant: Assembly:
Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Israel indeed He will redeem from all its iniquity.
Celebrant: Assembly:
To the Father Almighty give glory; give glory to His Son. To the Spirit most holy, give praise, whose reign is for ever.
Antiphon (together):
I place all my trust in You my God: All my hope is in your saving word.
GREETING Celebrant: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Assembly: And with your spirit. BLESSING OF THE BODY Celebrant: I bless + the body of our sister, Mary with the holy water that recalls her baptism of which St. Paul writes: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. By baptism into His death, we were buried together with Him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him by likeness to His death, so shall we be united with Him by likeness to His resurrection. ENTRANCE HYMN ………………………………………………………….… “Praise to the Lord” Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the king of creation; O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation. All you who hear, now to his temple draw near, join in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all thing so wondrously reigneth, shieldeth thee gently from harm, or when fainting sustaineth: hast thou not seen how thy heart’s wishes have been granted in what he ordaineth? PLACING OF THE PALL …………………….…. Patricia Mortimer and Maria Sealy (daughters) Remaining verses ……………….. .………..…………………………..… … “Praise to the Lord” Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee, surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend thee; ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if to the end he befriend thee. Celebrant: Assembly:
On the day of her Baptism, Mary put on Christ. On the day of Christ’s coming, may she be clothed in glory. Amen.
CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE Celebrant: Behold the light of Christ. Assembly: Thanks be to God. Celebrant: Assembly:
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he dies; yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? Yes! We believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world.
Celebrant:
We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Celebrant: Assembly:
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
Celebrant:
Let us pray: Almighty Father, You raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead so that we who believe Him to be the Light of the world may, with Him be brought to the fullness of life in His resurrection. Grant, we ask You, that our sister, Mary who has left this world might merit Your forgiveness for the sins which she may have committed and inherit eternal life through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Assembly: Amen. (Please be seated) LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading ………………… Wisdom 3: 1-6, 9 ……………… Patek Aritis (grandson)
Responsorial Psalm ……………………………….………………....….“The Lord’s my shepherd” The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want, he makes me down to lie in pastures green. He leadeth me the quiet waters by.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear no ill. For thou art with me, and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
My soul he doth restore again, and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, e’en for his own name’s sake.
My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes, my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me. And in God’s house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be. Second Reading …………....… II Corinthians 5: 1-10 ……………… Nestaea Sealy (granddaughter) Gospel Acclamation V. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. V. I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will not die for ever. V. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. GOSPEL ………………………………………………………………………… Matthew 25: 31-46 (After the Gospel, please be seated) SELECTION ………..…………. “On eagles wings” …………………….. St. Joseph’s Senior Choir HOMILY (Please stand for the Intercessions) INTERCESSIONS …………………………….……………………………. Theo Sealy (grandson) Celebrant:
We turn to a loving Lord, who knows well our sadness this day, and who has promised to bring consolation to those who mourn.
Leader:
For Mary, in thanksgiving to God for the many ways in which her life enriched ours, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly: Leader:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer. For Mary, given the promise of eternal life in baptism, that she may be rewarded for all good done and suffering borne well, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly: Leader:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer. For all family members and friends who have preceded Mary in death, that they may be there to welcome her to eternal life, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly: Leader:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer. For all who face their own death with confusion and fear, that they might be strengthened, enlightened and consoled by the Holy Spirit, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly: Leader:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer. For all the sick and suffering of our community, those hospitalized and home bound, those facing and those recovering from surgery, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly: Leader:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer. For all who mourn for Mary, that they may benefit in their own lives from having known and loved Mary, we pray to the Lord.
Assembly:
Lord, in your goodness, hear our prayer.
Celebrant: Gracious God, you who bring into being all creation, hear our prayers this day for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, that they may enjoy eternal rest and be rewarded for their faithfulness to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. (After Intercessions, Please be seated) PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS … Philippa Artis (granddaughter), Ariel Mason Duncanson (great grandson) and Bridgette Musgrove (adopted daughter) PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR OFFERTORY HYMN … … … … ….…...........................................… “Hark my soul it is the Lord” Hark, my soul! It is the Lord; Mine is an unchanging love, ‘Tis thy Savior, hear His Word; Higher than the heights above Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, Deeper than the depts beneath, “Say, poor sinner, love’st thou Me? Free and faithful, strong as death. I deliver’s thee when bound, And, when bleeding heal’d thy wound; Sought thee wandering, set thee right, Turn’d thy darkness into light.
Thou shalt see my glory soon, When the work of grace is done; Partner of My Throne shalt be; Say, poor sinner, lov’st thou me?
Can a woman’s tender care Cease towards the child she bare? Yes, she may be forgetful be, Yet will I remember thee.
Lord, it is my chief complaint That my love is weak and faint; Yet I love Thee, and adore; O for grace to love Thee more.
Celebrant:
Pray brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.
Assembly:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His Name, for our good, and the good of all His Holy Church. (Please stand)
- LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST – THE PREFACE Assembly:
SANCTUS Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. (Please kneel)
Celebrant: Assembly:
PROCLAMATION OF FAITH Let us proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Celebrant:
DOXOLOGY Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever.
Assembly: Amen.
(Please stand)
-THE COMMUNION RITE – Celebrant:
Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us:
Assembly:
THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Celebrant:
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Assembly:
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
LAMB OF GOD Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Grant us peace. (After the ‘Lamb of God,’ please kneel.)
COMMUNION HYMN………………….……..…………….…….…. “Sweet Sacrament Divine” Sweet sacrament divine, Sweet sacrament of rest, hid in thy earthly home, Ark from the ocean’s roar, lo! Round thy lowly shrine, within thy shelter blest with suppliant hearts we come; soon may we reach the shore, Jesus, to thee our voice we raise, save us, for still the tempest raves; in songs of love and heartfelt praise, save, lest we sink beneath the waves sweet sacrament divine. sweet sacrament of rest. Sweet sacrament of peace, dear home of every heart, where restless yearnings cease, and sorrows all depart, there in thine ear all trustfully we tell our tale of misery, sweet sacrament of peace.
Sweet sacrament divine, earth’s light and jubilee, in thy far depths doth shine thy Godhead’s majesty; sweet light, so shine on us, we pray, that earthly joys may fade away, sweet sacrament divine.
…………………………………… “The King of Love my Shepherd is” The King of love my shepherd is, In death’s dark vale I fear no ill whose goodness faileth never; with thee, dear Lord, beside me; I nothing lack if I am his thy rod and staff my comfort still, and He is mine for ever. thy Cross before to guide me. Where streams of living water flow my ransomed soul He leadeth, and where the verdant pastures grow with food celectial feedeth.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth; and O what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me, and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.
And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never; good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
COMMUNION MEDITATION …… “I dream of a City called Glory” ……. Beatrice Fowler PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (Please stand for the Prayer of Commendation) FINAL COMMENDATION Celebrant:
(Pall is removed and body is incensed in silence)
Let us pray: Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Mary and now we come to the last farewell. There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Mary again and enjoy her friendship. Although this congregation will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of His kingdom. Therefore, let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ.
SONG OF FAREWELL Celebrant: Assembly:
Saints of God, come to her aid! Come to meet her angels of the Lord. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.
Celebrant: Assembly:
May Christ, who called you, take you to Himself, may angels lead you to Abraham’s side. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.
Celebrant: Assembly:
Give her eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on her forever. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.
PRAYER OF COMMENDATION Celebrant: To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Mary your servant; in the sight of this world she is now dead; in your sight may she live forever. Forgive whatever sins she has committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant her everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen. RECESSIONAL HYMN ……………………………………………………………. “Great is thy faithfulness” Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; sun, moon and stars in their courses above, thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not: join with all nature in manifold witness, as Thou hast been thou hast forever wilt be. to Thy great faithfulness mercy and love. Chorus: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided Great if Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hopes for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
RITE OF COMMITTAL
AT THE CEMETERY
Celebrant:
Let us pray:
Our sister, Mary has gone to her rest in the peace of Christ. May the Lord now welcome her to the table of God’s children in heaven!
With faith and hope in eternal life, let us assist her with our prayers. Let us pray to the Lord also for ourselves. May we who mourn be reunited one day with our sister; Mary together may we meet Christ Jesus when he who is our life appears in glory.
Celebrant:
We read in Sacred Scripture: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, says the Lord, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
PRAYERS OVER THE GRAVE Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies.
Grant that our sister, Mary may sleep here in peace until you awaken her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then she will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendour of God, for you live and reign for ever and ever.
Assembly: Amen. Celebrant: Assembly: By Your coming as man Lord, save your people. By Your birth. Lord, save your people. By Your baptism and fasting. Lord, save your people. By Your suffering and Cross. Lord, save your people. By Your death and burial. Lord, save your people. By Your rising to new life. Lord, save your people. By Your return in glory to the Father. Lord, save your people. By Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, save your people. By Your coming again in Glory. Lord, save your people. COMMITTAL Celebrant:
Celebrant: Assembly:
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister, Mary 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 to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father ‌
Celebrant: May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowl edge and love of God and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Assembly: Amen. Celebrant: May almighty God bless you, the Father, + and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Assembly: Amen.
+ GRAVE SIDE HYMNS +
He will understand and say well done If when you give him best of your service Telling the world that the Saviour has come Be not dismayed when man don’t believe you He’ll understand and say well done. Oh when I come to the end of my journey Weary of life and the battle is won Caring the staff and the cross of redemption He’ll understand and say well done. Misunderstood, yes the Saviour of sinners Died on the cross, he was God’s only son But he knew well that his father in heaven Would understand and say well done. Oh hear him calling his father in heaven Not my will Lord but thine be done. And when I come to the end of my journey Weary of life and the battle is won Caring the staff and the cross of redemption He’ll understand and say well done...
It is well with my Soul 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. Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with 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. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul
TO MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER MOMMY MAE Mommy Mae, you were the greatest great grandmother a kid could ask for. You were a friend when we talked and a mother when I needed you. I always remember when my father would say “Mary Cleare” and you would always respond “This is she” that would always brighten up the room and make us laugh. I still remember running around in the funeral home while you and Auntie Maria would chase after me and try to calm me down. You taught me everything thing I know and I can’t repay you enough for all the life lessons and teaching you gave me. I miss you so much. I promise I will make you proud. Your little Patty.
TO MY ‘MOMMY MAE’,
Mom, when I think of you Sharing the days I once knew Chatting together in that old way – it Only seems like yesterday. The hope and reams that we shared in the past Not believing it wouldn’t last And like a forgotten melody, your Smile and laughter come back to me You showed me what a ‘lady’ should be Your style, grace and beautiful face No amount of years could ever erase I know, first hand, that I will be a Reflection of your majesty Today, through a mit of tears I recall all my childhood years And thank you with a grateful heart For all the lessons you impart Oh how life was hard on you But you soldiered on through and through And now it’s time to let you go To get your reward from the God you love so I love you Mommy although you know I’ll make you proud and never let your legacy go. Love Phillie.
Tribute of LOVE to “Mommy Mae” Our Shining Star
“Those we love must someday pass, beyond our present sight. Must leave us and the world we know without their radiant light. But, we know that like a candle, their lovely light will surely shine, to brighten up another place, more perfect, more divine. And in the realm of Heaven where they shine so warm and bright, our loved ones live forevermore in God’s eternal light”Author Unknown. Our Mother, whom we affectionately called “Mommy Mae”, was our “Shining Star who gave so MUCH LOVE! She loved her God and the Church. She loved her children, her parents, her siblings, her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, close friends, neighbours, work and colleagues. Mommy loved life and she relished each day as it if were her last… sowing her seeds of love in her every word and action. She lived a life of giving of herself, scattering all over her gifts to those in need -her warm and friendly smile, her knowledge, skills and understanding, her jokes, laughter and shelter. Whatever she could give, she gave to help others, in her quiet loving way. We give thanks and praise God for His blessing of a God-fearing, loving, caring, compassionate, humble, industrious, nurturing, sharing mother who disciplined us and taught us to always respect and give love to each other and to our fellowmen Mommy Mae taught us to set goals and take time to achieve them, asking the Holy Spirit to direct our paths. For many years she was our mother and father, our friend and our confidant. She worked hard to provide for us and sacrificed much for us. She brought us much happiness and instilled in us the importance of family. So, we reflect on Mommy Mae’s actions throughout our lives and her belief in the power of prayer. I asked God for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might learn how to obey. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power and praise of men; I was given weakness to sense my need for God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for. In spite of myself, my prayers were answered --I am among all men most richly blest. Yes, God always gives us what’s best for us.” -Author Unknown Death leaves a heart ache that no one can heal; love leaves a warm MEMORY brining PEACE that no one can steal; and COMFORT is found in those gathered around you. Mommy Mae your memory will live in our hearts forever. We love you. Your loving daughters, Patricia & Maria
PALL BEARERS Odley Aritis Theo Sealy Marcian Duncanson Mario Duncanson Mason Duncanson Dion Smith Patek Aritis Stephen Sealy Teddy Thompson
HONOURARY PALL BEARERS H. Campbell Cleare III Ormand “Stan” Davis Edward Thompson Jayson Moxey Mae Morton-Curry Eloise Moxey Renaye Brown-Cuyler, Esq. Bridgette Musgrove Ruby Rojas
IN APPRECIATION Special thanks to all of you who showed your love and support by way of phone calls, emails, prayers, visitation and gifts of all kinds. Our sorrow is easier to bear with help from God and friends like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during our time of bereavement. We will thank you more appropriately at a later date. -The Family