Margaret Chinapen

My mom, Margaret Chinapen, was the eldest child of 6 children born to Kenneth and Rena Bhagwandin. She was born at Port Mourant, Guyana on November 20th, 1955. Her other siblings are: Vernon, Annette, Leonard, Grace and Stephen, all who are here today. She started her career as a teacher at Cropper Primary School on September, 1974 in Guyana where she met my dad shortly after. They exchanged marriage vows on April 12th, 1975. This relationship continued for a very long time. My mom passed away on April 13th 2017, just one day after her 42nd wedding anniversary. What can I tell you about my mom? She was strict, a God-fearing believer, and together with my dad, took an active part in church life, bringing up her children in the fear and knowledge of God. My parents were happy when I was born in 1978. I know what a mother’s love feels like. When my brother Julien came along in 1983, I was happy to have a sibling. I began to understand what it means to be a family. My mom was a great teacher, and after teaching for 15 years in Guyana, she had the privilege of teaching for 9 years with my Dad in the Bahamas. She was very much loved and respected. We all had the wonderful experience of living with people of a different culture, while attending school and church. When she left the Bahamas, it brought much sadness to students and parents. We moved to Florida in 1996. My mom was a very dedicated and a hard worker. She started working in Daycare Centers and subsequently established her own Daycare Home. In 1999, another member was added to the family. His name is Zach, my little brother who will turn eighteen next month and is already taller than me. In 2005, she continued her studies and eventually obtained her Bachelor’s degree. My mom subsequently became a teacher at the Kids Community College in Riverview where she taught for 2 years. Both my parents valued education. My mom’s cooking was the best. I still remembered the cakes she baked, and how much time and effort she spent in organizing birthday parties for her family members. She was well organized and was a good home maker. She could sing well and taught us to lead a God fearing life. She was always busy, but placed others first. In 2008, on Christmas Day, my mom and Zach moved to New York to join my Dad who was already teaching there. She was in the process of seeking employment when her health took a turn for the worst and she could not pursue her career any further. She started Dialysis treatment in June 2010 and life became very stressful for her. In the fall of 2011, my father left his job and they moved back to Florida. I could see and feel her pain, and struggle the past few years. She never gave up, but held on to the very end. She is the strongest woman I know. She will be missed. I know that she has gone to a place where there is no more sorrow and no more pain. I know I will meet her again someday. I am proud of my Mom; I thank her for giving me life. On behalf of my brothers Julien and Zach, I want to say thank you, and we love you.