Message of Condolence on the Passing of my Late Aunt, Joan Ventour
From Ambassador Denis G. Antoine
Her smile has always been her welcoming way, and when she smiled it was with trust because she smiled until her eyes closed with a warm embrace. I called on Aunty Joan and the St Andrews pharmacy was my must stop whenever I am home.
I have learned from her a lot about community, and the needs of other people; because after my hug and a sweet smile she would ask, have you been by the school, we are fixing the windows, in the church. Our last conversation at Christmas time, she said to me you should donate a musical instrument for the church.
I have always smiled because I learned as a child, that her mother, Ilene, thought her that serving others makes life worthwhile. It comes as no surprise to me that she has instilled the same in her children.Her life was lived in quiet public service.
On behalf of my family and myself, I express sincere condolences to Theobald, her bereaved husband, her daughters, Akarda and Ambika, her son, Kenroy, loved ones, family, and friends, the people of Birch Grove,the parish of St Andrew’s,especially parishioners of St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Birch Grove,and the Grenadian community in the North American diaspora,on passing of our late beloved and honorable Joan Ventour. Her record of service went far beyond her dedication to her immediate family and touched many livesof Grenadiansat home and the diaspora. She would be remembered for her dedication to the preservation of the historical values of the place of her birth.Herinsistentefforts to build stronger communitiesthrough service are indelible recordsof her legacy.
We all knew her as Mrs. Ventour. I called her Aunty Joan.She walked and spoke quietly,embracedfamily, serving
people with pride.Those of us who knew her were blessed by the gift of herpresencein our lives,and the services sherendered.On the passing of the late Joan Ventour,let us find the meaning of her life by remembering that shestrovealways to do allshe could, whenever she could, for her family, herpeople, andcommunity.The deepest meaning of the life of the late Joan Ventourlies in the fact that it was given and in gratefulness,which is the inner gesture of giving meaning to her life, her legacy must be recognized. Therefore, in gratefulness let usacknowledge,cherish, and celebrate her life, and treasure hermemories in our hearts. May she rest in peace.
