Margarita Allen

Eulogy: The Life of Margarita Allen Saturday, 23rd September, 2023 Margarita Juanita Allen, was born on February 20, 1941 in Allendale, St Lucy Barbados. She was the fourth child, born to John and Eileen Boyce. Margarita migrated to London, England in 1959 where she met and married her husband Joseph (Kingsley) Allen. Their union produced three children, Beverly, Norris and Alvin whom she loved dearly and with whom she had a great relationship. Greet, as she was affectionately known, loved her family dearly and valued relationships. She encouraged and nurtured the relationships between her children, and if you know Alvin, Norris and Beverly, you would agree that they are very close. She encouraged them daily to check in on each other. After spending a few years in London, she relocated to the U.S. in 1964 with her husband Joseph. Margarita was a “go getter” and never allowed anyone or anything to hold her back from pursuing her goals. She often said that when things happen in life, you have to throw them behind your back and keep going. She often gave encouragement to the young and the old. Margarita had a very infectious smile which drew many people to her. She loved cruising and dancing and singing. She was a giver and was always ready to offer support to whoever needed it. Margarita had a great desire to become a nurse and started her journey by pursuing her education, first, at Thomas Jefferson High School before attending the then New York City Community College, where she received her Associates degree. Margarita was very determined, and later graduated from Long Island University in 1982 with her Bachelor of Science degree, where her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse was realized. Prior to retiring, she attended Macedonia Church of the Nazarene, where she was an active member. She loved participating in all the church’s events and was well known for cooking her famous Barbadian delicacy, fish cakes, which she passed on to Beverly. After working at Brookdale Hospital for 37 years, Margarita retired in 2003 and returned to Barbados with her husband where they spent, as she said “fifteen good years.” While residing in Barbados she attended the St Lucy’s Parish Church and developed many great relationships. During her illness Margarita continued dancing, singing and playing her games on her tablet. Whenever she heard one of her favorite songs on the radio she would jump up and take a “whine” or a “Juk” while teasing her husband Joseph. According to her, “I had a good life and I kept the faith, when it is my time I am ready.” On September 5, 2023 the Lord looked around heaven and saw that an angel was missing and called Margarita home. She is survived by her husband Joseph (Kingsley), daughter Beverly, sons Norris and Alvin, grandsons Timothy and Kendall, son-in-law Rodney (Rudy), sisters Carmen (Nesta) Skeete and Ruby Sobers, brother David Boyce, sisters-in-law Etheldier (Beryl) Rollins and Catherine (Helen) Fredericks, brothers-in-law Richard Allen, Wellington Allen, Arnold Allen, Alfred Allen, Sinclair Hubbard, James Riley and a host of nieces, nephews and extended friends and family. She was predeceased by her brothers Roosevelt Boyce, Carlyse Griffith and Evelyn (Duke) Clarke, and sisters Susan Hinds, Thelma Alleyne, and Dulcie Riley. On the behalf of the entire family, we wish to thank each of you for taking the time to be a part of this celebratory home-going service because there is life after death. Your presence, whether you traveled from near or far confirms how valuable your relationship was with Margarita. Based on the number of phone calls and messages received, offering condolences and comfort it is quite evident that she held a very special place in your hearts. You could have chosen to be elsewhere but we are grateful that you chose to be with us during this time to offer your support and to bid Margarita farewell, we appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank You!!

Margarita Allen

February 20, 1941 - September 5, 2023