Thursday, November 15, 2012

Agatha Cathy Mark

Agatha Cathy Mark, age 63, passed away on November 11th, 2012 at her home in Ocoee.  Born to Sarahnie Charles and Pappit Joseph, Agatha’s journey began on August 1st, 1949 in Morne-Jaloux, Carriacou, Grenada.  Affectionately known as “Gatty”, “Cathy”, or “Mother”, Agatha quickly developed a charm and a strong will which made her a leader within the family. The eldest child raised by her grandmother, Agatha learned early on how to take charge of almost any situation; a quality she exemplified throughout the rest of her life. Years later, Agatha blossomed into adulthood and had her first child, Casiea. Casiea was her pride and joy and Agatha spoiled her in any and every way possible.  In 1971, Agatha’s love for law and law enforcement led her to join the Royal Grenada Police Force where she remained until she moved to New York in 1975.  Several years later, Agatha met and married the love of her life, Shurland, and gave birth to her last child, Shurlyn.  Shurlyn was also the apple of Agatha’s eye and up until her demise, there was nothing she didn’t do to ensure Shurlyn’s, as well as Casiea’s happiness.  Agatha also gained a stepson, Shurland Jr., whom she loved like her very own.

In 1991, Agatha graduated from New York University and began working as a paralegal.  She was respected and adored by her coworkers and served as an invaluable member at the prestigious law firm Anderson, Kill, Olick, & Oshinsky. Two years later, Agatha’s grandchild Kiara was born.  In her usual custom, Agatha doted on Kiara in all ways and loved her very dearly. Agatha’s other cherished grandchildren came from Shurland Jr. and include Micah, Silas, and Langston.  In 2003, Agatha and her family relocated to Florida where she quickly became a much-loved member of the community. She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando.

 
From young adulthood until present, Agatha was undoubtedly known for her grace, elegance, beauty, selflessness, generosity, and kindness. An excellent cook, she was also famous for her fondness of entertaining.  Nearly every day she would cook more than necessary in order to have enough for, as she often said, “a hungry stranger.” She was also an amazing seamstress who in her earlier years expressed her love of fashion with unique and trendy designs. In addition to her practicality, Agatha had other intangible qualities. She was a tower of strength and bravery. She was a voice of reason, a discerning counselor, and always found a way to console a burdened soul. 

No one who has ever met Agatha can forget her generosity, kindness, and warmth.  Her overall presence left a lasting impression on anyone she encountered.  In whatever she did, Agatha sought to be the best and always strived to please.  More often than not, putting her own needs or desires aside, she could be counted upon to help anyone who ever requested it. Mother, caretaker, provider, nurturer, friend, and confidant are just a few of the many hats that Agatha wore.  From beginning to end, her life was one filled with love, laughter, kind words, kinder deeds, and an immense sense of devotion to her family and friends.

Although she gave birth to two children, Agatha served as a mother to many more including Ren, Elias, Doris, Linda, Herbert, Martin, Gloria, and others too numerous to mention.  Agatha is survived by her husband, Shurland, daughters Casiea and Shurlyn, granddaughter Kiara, and numerous other family members and countless friends. Agatha’s six in-laws Greta, Eldica, Cynthia, Cecil, Herbert, and Willis became her dearest siblings.  The bond within the extended family was genuinely profound and Agatha cherished each one in a different way.  She also inherited beloved nieces including Natasha, Debra, Veronica, Petra, and Anelcia as well as nephews including Farley, Stewart, Travis, and Lawrence.  Agatha also left behind countless cousins on her side of the family including, Anastasia, Remy, Dessa, Omega, John, Vernon, Lionel, and Stephen, as well as aunts, Angela, Agnes, and Rita, and uncle, Toby. Lastly, Agatha’s closest friends Doreen and Alma and many others played a significant role in her life.  Truly irreplaceable, Agatha will sorely be missed and we pray that she may rest in everlasting and eternal peace. 
 
 The family will be receiving friends at St. Andrew Catholic Church on Sunday, November 18th, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Monday, November 19th, 2012 at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow the  Mass at Winter Garden Cemetery.
 
 
St. Andrew Catholic Church
801 Hastings Street ~ Orlando, Florida 32808
 
Repast at Mela Room
9677 South Orange Blossom Trail  Orlando, FL 32837


2 comments:

Kelly said...

Casiea and Shurlyn, I'm very sorry to hear about your mom's passing. She will be missed dearly, and I know this is a hard time for your family. Reflect on God's promise of the resurrection hope. One day soon, we will be able to welcome back and hug our loved ones. (John 5:28,29) May that thought give you comfort and strength at this sad time.

Wayne said...

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity and Honor to meet Agatha, but I feel as like I have. I have been Blessed and Graced with the friendship of Casiea in my life and she beholds all of the same qualities as her mother Agatha. I know with out a doubt that Agatha is a beautiful soul. To have instilled all of the same qualities listed above in her children is a direct reflection of Agatha’s love for her children and family and is a very special component of her beautiful legacy.