Obituary for Ms. Gunwantie Elizabeth Deolall

Gunwantie Elizabeth Deolall was born on February 12, 1956 to Deolall Raghbeer and Balwanty Deolall in Bath Settlement in West Coast Berbice, Guyana. Lizzy, as she was also known by, encapsulated a memorable personality which allowed for immediate recognition in every atmosphere she entered. From a young age, she embraced her role as a caring, motherly figure. Even for those who were not her children, she acted as a mentor, rule enforcer, teacher and protector, to name a few. Lizzy attended Bath Primary School and although her schooling was interrupted at a young age, her education never stopped. Being married at the young age of 12 to Nanand Seudharry allowed her to grow wise before her time. She learned from a young age how to live on very little while sustaining an enjoyable life. Working at the Abary Creek for weeks in a stretch, she sacrificed time with her five young boys. These self-sacrificing qualities transferred into her life after moving to the United States. She would babysit many of her nieces and nephews while simultaneously caring for her 6 boys and 2 daughters in her Brooklyn apartment. After entering the workforce as a home attendant, her selfless nature remained. She cared for many clients whom she treated as family. Even after being diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, she was eager to tend to her clients' needs before her own. Lizzy was the life of the party, sans the party most times. Those who knew her well remember her as an out-going, vibrant, opinionated and resilient matriarchal figure. She was not shy in any sense; she exerted her agency whenever possible, which added to her individuality. She loved to attend her local mandir and listen to bhajans daily. As a testament to her strength, she was able to overcome the loss of her father, Deolall, grandmother, Balcomarie, son, Dhanpaul, mother, Balwanty, and uncle, Deonarine, all the while maintaining her infamous vivacity. Furthermore, during her final days battling lung cancer, she endured the chemotherapy and radiation treatments with a bravery only she mastered with excellence. Gunwantie leaves to mourn her death and cherish her memory her children: Suresh, Churaman, Neil, Radesh, Noorjahan, Akber and Leila; siblings: Puran, Sumintra, Rampattie, Gowantie, Latchmie, Tarachand, Sunita and Mohanchand; daughter-in-laws: Natasha and Shanta; grandson: Jonathan; granddaughters: Mohanie, Annquavia and Gabrielle; aunts: Jolie and Baby; uncles: Prabhudyal, Beharry and Kadix; nephews: Rishie, Anil, Amit, Paul, Chris, Javier, Junior, Safraz, Ruben and Amir; nieces: Seema, Selena, Priya, Narima, Crystal, Davie, Trisha, Swarswattie, Jessica, Jessimie, Cashmie, Yasmin and Maya; and a host of other family members and friends.

Obituary for Ms. Gunwantie Elizabeth Deolall

February 12, 1956 - March 15, 2014