We lost Vivine Gean Levy only days ago but it seems like we have been missing her for an eternity. We miss her kindly presence, that reassuring voice and the happy ending that we had wished for her. Gean belongs to the ages now but we preferred it when she belonged to us.
When the sun sets tonight off the coast of Negril, and we lay to rest our beloved, a great life story will close. Daughter of Hubert and Cynthia Levy, Gean was born on the 22nd day of June, 1953 in the district of Royal Flat, Manchester. Traveling as she grew older to Kingston, she would meet her share of hardship, struggle and uncertainty. And out of that circumstance came a truly strong woman of steadiness, calm, and a cheerful confidence that life would bring good things, qualities that all of us had the privilege to see in her.
My mother spent her formative years in Manchester under the supervision of her parents and an aunt. She entered into an early union with a Cecil Larmond which resulted in two boys, Havlon and Linval, the former of which made his transition only months ago. When her children were quite young she made her way to the capital city in search of a better life.
No time after arriving here, whilst employed in the Mona area she happened upon my father, fondly known as Pepsi, and out of that union came her last two of four children, myself and Andre – me first!
Words cannot begin to describe the woman I knew as Mommy. She was hardworking, extremely caring with a big warm heart and I cannot forget to mention the excellent cook she was.
She was an active parent. Making sure that we not only went to school to get or education but she also made sure to involve herself in school activities. She was well known as the go-to parent when it came to what would be on the menu of the Dunrobin Primary School’s annual fair day. And on the day of the event she could always be found behind the jerk pan!
Even after myself and Andre. Moved on to secondary institutions she could always be counted on to assist other parents with getting their children enrolled at Dunrobin and she never once failed.
Gean was family oriented. She always saw to the well-being of her children and her partner and she always wanted the best for us, even putting our needs before her own. She always saw to it that we left home clean and looking sharp and she forever made sure that we were well fed.
Cooking was her thing. The Sunday rice and peas and chicken, the Monday leftover, re-done like new. The Tuesday stew beef and white rice. Wednesday was another rice and peas day. Thursday was whatever she laid hands on. Friday was every man for himself until Saturday’s traditional beef soup. The kitchen will surely miss the banging of pots and pans, the gravy flowing over into the stove and the constant washing of dishes.
In 2003 her illness came to the fore but it did not stop her much because she was an active woman. It finally took its toll on her and now she has left the physical world. We are not to be filled with sorrow but with great memories by the score. My mother showed me what a woman should be. She carried herself with a decency and attention to small kindnesses that also defined a good life. She was a gentle and considerate woman, never known to slight or embarrass others. Many people cherish the opportunity to have known her and many can only tell us about the good days.
We must remember that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away and he was ready to take his angel back. Now death has done all that death can do. And as Gean goes her way, we are left with the joyful hope she shared. Now she can finally see her Saviour face to face.
And we look for that fine day when we will see her again. Free of pain, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong and sure, and smiling again, and the sorrow of her parting gone forever.
May God bless her soul and may she Rest In Peace.
