Phyllis Roett

Name: Phyllis Roett
Start: 2024-01-12
End: 2024-01-12
Location: People's Cathedral

PHYLLIS ROETT NÉE DENNY, affectionately known as “Gloria,” “Phil” and “Aunty Phyllis”, 78, child of Christ, formerly of 122 Rock Dundo Park, Cave Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, and Silver Spring, Maryland in the USA, was called home unexpectedly on the morning of December 21, 2023 at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Phyllis was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother.

After the St Michael School, Queen’s College, the University of Swansea, and 20 years at the Barbados Child Care Board as its first Director, Phyllis was a Consultant for the United Nations Children’s Fund, lecturer for the University of the West Indies, popular host of the radio call in program “Tell it Like it is” on the Voice of Barbados, and then spent 22 years at the Canadian High Commission as Senior Development Officer until her retirement.

Phyllis was the dedicated daughter of the late Sydney and Muriel Denny of the United Kingdom, step-daughter of Eva Denny of the UK, the loved and cherished wife of 56 years of Ishmael Roett, GCM, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, loving mother of Andre Roett of Wanstead Heights, St. Michael, and Doctor Michelle Roett of Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, adored sister of Eileen Lokai, proud grandmother of Jaiden and Nathan Roett, beloved mother-in-law of Jo-Ann Roett, generous sister-in-law of Frank Roett and Randy Lokai, kind aunt of Hadrian and Justin Lokai, caring cousin of Suzanne Isaacs, Keith Greene, June Casselman, Grace Hope, Hetty Warrington, Shelly Jackman-Schmelter and Sonia Coard, family of the Dennys, Greenes, Jackmans, and Isaacs, faithful friend of Eleanor Dottin, Marcia Miller, Hugh and Yvonne Applewhaite, George and Maria Boston, Pat Dixon, June Gibson, June Emmanuel, Pamela Haynes-Lashley, Harriett Banfield, May Hinds, Hyacinth Dehere, and Doctors Thomas and Esther Pinder, and dedicated Aunty Phyllis to Michele Maynard, Michelle Worrell, Doctor Kirk Miller, Harry and Brenda Prescott and countless others.

Phyllis will be loved and missed by so many for all eternity. She was a fierce advocate for women, children and the most vulnerable, and gave of herself every day for her family, her friends, her church, her community, and anyone who crossed her path. She was determined to live a life of faith, giving, service, compassion, and love, focused on eliminating inequities. Phyllis excelled in that mission.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at The People’s Cathedral, where relatives and friends are asked to meet at 10:00 a.m. The cortege will then proceed to Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens for the interment. Flowers may be sent to Lyndhurst Funeral Home no later than 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Donations can be made for the Nightingale Children’s Home at the service. If unable to attend, please consider dedicating a donation in honor of Phyllis Roett to the United Nations Children’s Fund at https://www.unicefusa.org/?form=donate.

The body of the late Phyllis Roett will repose in the Colin Parkinson Memorial Chapel, Lyndhurst Funeral Home on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The family invites you to view the live streaming of the service; to view please click here

Date

Jan 12 2024

Expired!

Time

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Local Time

Timezone: America/New_York
Date: Jan 12 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location

People's Cathedral

The People's Cathedral, Pine Road, Bridgetown, Barbados

Funeral Director

Jonathan Ward

Phone

246-426-4170

Email

funerals@lyndhurstfuneralhome.com

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27 entries.

Sonja Richards (Stuart) wrote on January 12, 2024 at 5:57 pm

My deepest condolences to the family. I met Phyllis in the 1960s while attending high school with her sister.

May her soul soar with the Angels.

Elke J Zschaebitz wrote on January 12, 2024 at 12:23 pm

Dr. Roett, What a legacy she leaves behind and such a rich life of love and service to others. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Dr. Karen Clarke-Bennett wrote on January 12, 2024 at 12:21 pm

Michelle, my dear friend and godmother to my daughter - my deepest condolences to you and your family. I will always remember the special time we spent together sixteen years ago in Barbados and my visits to your home in Maryland. Your mother was always so kind, welcoming, and funny. She always made me laugh! I thoroughly enjoyed every second with mum!
We love you Michelle, and, can’t wait to see and hug you. Again, my most sincere condolences to you and your family.

Susan Cheng wrote on January 12, 2024 at 11:31 am

To Dr. Roett and family:

My deepest condolences for the loss of your mother, grandmother, wife. May her memory be a blessing and her selfless dedication in her life to women, children, and education be an inspiration for all.

To know Michelle, is to know her dedication, love and commitment to her mom and dad. I got to first know Phyllis when spending time with Michelle at her home with friends and during work community functions that felt like coming home. When I first met Phyllis, she took the time to ask how I was doing as a new mom and how my first-born daughter was doing when I brought her over to Michelle's home. Her smile, her compassion, her warm voice and beautiful laugh filled the room.

She shared many amazing stories about Michelle and her brother growing up, her husband and life memories in Barbados. I knew fondly about Phyllis and her love for Agatha Christie mysteries and her close attention to the news of the day.

Phyllis's admiration and pride for Michelle, her brother and grandkids was evident. She loved her family. She loved giving back to her community and to do good for others.

She will be deeply missed by family, friends, community.

Jenny Nicholls Hands wrote on January 12, 2024 at 11:30 am

My husband John and i were blessed to share this time of celebrating the beautiful life of my beloved cousin, Phyllis Roett. We send condolences. Though we are far away we are close in sympathy and in Christ.

Leandra Renaud wrote on January 12, 2024 at 11:22 am

My sincere condolences to Uncle Ishmail, Andre and Michelle.

I had the pleasure of spending time with my cousins as a child and I will always remember Auntie Phyllis as such a warm, kind woman who made me feel so welcomed. Visiting Barbados to meet this branch of my family leaves me with fond memories that I will hold in my heart forever.

Sending love and prayers for my family as they go through this difficult time.

Leandra and family ❤️🙏🏾

Maria Lawrence wrote on January 12, 2024 at 11:16 am

Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Uncle Ishmael, Andre, Michelle and family at this time.
There are truly no words to express how significant Auntie Phyllis was to us and our family. She was a wonderful person who touched our lives and the lives of many with her care, friendship, generosity, faith, sense of humour and loving nature.
We are truly heartbroken that she has passed, but we know she is now fiercely watching over her loved ones and advocating for women and children from her seat in heaven.
Our mom loved her Phyllis her dearly as one of her closest friends. Please know that we are praying for you. May God keep you in HIs embrace.

With love,
Maria, Lisa, Elan, Pam and all of the Haynes-Lashley and Lawrence families.

Peter Roach wrote on January 12, 2024 at 10:59 am

I never met your Mom, but I can tell how wonderful she must have been just by knowing of her through discussions with Camille. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve now. My sincere condolences to you and all your family. Remember, as long as you live, your Mom will live on through you.

Sarah Kureshi wrote on January 12, 2024 at 10:51 am

Michelle, Ishmael, and family, I am so heartbroken for your loss and for our world's loss of such a beautiful, inspiring, and incredible woman. I was fortunate to have met Phyllis as I'm a friend and colleague of Michelle. I was also lucky to have cared for Phyllis and Ishmael in clinic for about a year when they first moved to the States. It was adorable to watch the dynamic between Phyllis and Ishmael as well as the dynamic between them and Michelle 🙂 Every interaction I had with Phyllis was warming and I was always moved by her grace and her faith in God. Once I met Phyllis, I better understood where Michelle got so much of her strength, passion, and altruism from. I know Phyllis' beautiful legacy of community service, devotion to family, and advocating for equity will live on through her children, her family, and her community. May God Bless her soul.

Wendy ( Nicholls and Earl Hackl wrote on January 12, 2024 at 10:35 am

We have wonderful memories of Phyllis and Ishmael . May Phyllis rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.🙏🏽

Marc Dabaiya wrote on January 12, 2024 at 10:02 am

May God give you the peace that only he can give in such a time like this. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless the family.

Vanessa Applewhaite-Senior wrote on January 12, 2024 at 9:54 am

I am sending warm condolences on behalf of the Applewhaite and Senior families from Long Island, NY. I have known Aunt Phyllis or " Auntie Gloria" for most of my life and she was always a second mom to me as our families are very close. She was always gracious, kind, friendly, happy and affectionate. She would always offer the best advice and have a positive attitude toward everything. May God continue to bless the Roett family and cover them with peace and love. We will always cherish the great memories of our time together with her. May she rest in peace.

Augusta wrote on January 12, 2024 at 9:03 am

Sending sincerest condolences to Michelle and her entire family.
May her legacy of unconditional love for family live on in you and may she rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏾
Love Gusty

Keri Kirk wrote on January 12, 2024 at 8:52 am

I am so sorry for this immense loss. Michelle and family, my prayers are with you. It sounds like Aunty Phyllis was a force with an equally loving and kind spirit. There is no way that you have the roles that she had in life and not leave people better than you found them. Michelle talked often of her kindness and feistiness and loving devotion to her husband, Ishmael. Praying for peace and comfort in warm memories for all who loved her.

Tamasa Barrow wrote on January 11, 2024 at 10:53 pm

Phyllis Roett was a family friend and when the children were little, our families went to picnics together during the summer vacations. She was a loving mother and aunty to all of the children.

We kept in touch over the years, and it was like the years in between faded away between conversations and laughter.

May she rest in peace and may God's continued blessing be with Ishmeal, Andre, Michelle and the rest of the family.

Tyrone, Tamasa and Troy Barrow

May Hinds wrote on January 11, 2024 at 10:15 pm

Phyllis- A beautiful person. A lady I was fortunate to know because her son is my son-in-law. Our family spent many Christmas Holidays under one roof, as I would join Andre, Jo-Ann, Jaiden and Nathan (sons) as we travelled to the USA to be " under one roof" at the home of Michelle, Ishmael and Phyllis. As she was about to travel to Barbados to spend Christmas 2023, she said to me in a Whatsapp, we will not be under the same roof this year. I replied, that is true but we have life... she replied you are right. I will forever remember the last time together, that Monday evening after her arrival in Barbados. Phyllis your contribution to national development, your contribution to family and friends will always be what I remember of you. Rest In Peace!

Gwelda Haynes Walters wrote on January 11, 2024 at 8:14 pm

My dearest cousin Ishmael and family,
I hope during this incredibly difficult time you are surrounded by love and support. I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Phyllis, and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences from me and my family. We know that losing a life partner is unimaginable pain and words can never fully express the depth of sorrow that comes from such a loss. Phyllis was a remarkable person, and her presence alone touched the lives of many. Her smile, energetic and bubbly personality will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Euclid will certainly never forget the Bajan words she taught him that had us laughing for days.
May the grace of God give you all strength, courage, and peace during this difficult time.
With Love, Griselda (Gwelda) and family.

Joy-Ann Payne Bullard wrote on January 11, 2024 at 12:33 pm

I've known "Auntie Phyllis" almost all my life - gaining the privilege to address her as such through my dear friendship and sisterhood with her beautiful daughter and one of my best friends, Michelle. I experienced and witnessed firsthand her spirit of love, kindness and generosity. So many great memories of time spent in her home, always feeling welcome and at home in that space, the same as I would in my own home. I am truly saddened by this loss, and my heart broken for my dear friend and sister, Michelle, as well as for the entire family - Uncle Ishmael, Andre and Joann and the boys, and Auntie Eileen. To a life well-lived - I am so glad she knew her Savior. May she forever rest in eternal peace. Sending love and condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Joy-Ann Payne Bullard

Nancy Harazduk wrote on January 11, 2024 at 12:29 pm

During the time I spent with Phyllis, in Michelle’s home, I found her to be an extremely warm, loving and kind woman who exuded positivity. Her smile brightened the room. It was delightful to be in her presence!

What I remember most from the conversations I had with her is how very proud she was of Michelle and how grateful she was for the care she was receiving from Michelle.

It was a gift to me to have briefly gotten to know her.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and community.

Glenna Haynes wrote on January 11, 2024 at 10:14 am

To my nephew and family;

It’s hard to understand why people we love are taken from us but take heart. God and time will soften the edges and ease your sorrow.

We have memories of Phyllis as a kind and generous person.

Aunt Dotty Haynes and family.

Megha Fitzpatrick wrote on January 11, 2024 at 8:48 am

My deepest condolences to the family. As a friend to Michelle, I wanted to share how special Phyllis and Michelle’s bond was as mother and daughter. Every time I met Phyllis, I could see the pride and love shining in her eyes when she looked at Michelle. May her soul rest in peace and may her memories bring you comfort.

Lisa Stiebel wrote on January 11, 2024 at 8:17 am

Aunty Phyllis was the beloved best friend of my mom Marcia. I have such fond memories growing up of visits to each other’s houses where there was plenty of love and laughter. Their friendship was an early foundation for me for what I wanted in my own life. When I think of Aunty Phyllis, I see her big smile which came from the depths of her heart, always impeccably dressed and ready to face any challenge. She was a difference maker. Bless her beautiful soul.

Susanna Isaac wrote on January 10, 2024 at 2:01 pm

We, the Isaac's (Susanna, Joel, Cheryl and Lavonne) extends heartfelt condolences to the Roett Family and the Lokai's on the passing of our dear cousin Phyllis.
May God give strength during this very difficult period of bereavement. As life continues, do cherish the wonderful memories.

Janae wrote on January 10, 2024 at 12:03 pm

My Deepest Condolences to Family and Friends!

Arlene wrote on January 10, 2024 at 11:37 am

I am truly saddened by her passing. She was a wonderful, caring, beautiful person, and a first-class Lecturer. This giving, Ray of sunshine, dignified lady will be sorely missed.
Condolences to her husband and children, along with other members of her family. She was simply the best. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.
We will always love you, Phyllis. Rest in peace and rise in glory.
Arlene Wiggins.

Kathryn Dunlop wrote on January 10, 2024 at 7:56 am

Dear Ishmael and family, I am deeply sorry for the loss of Phyllis. I was a colleague of Phyllis for four years and a friend for almost twenty. At the Development Office of the Canadian High Commission, we depended on her wise counsel. Phyllis made us laugh out loud at least once a day with her dry wit and observations. She was esteemed and beloved. Her compassion for the children of Barbados and children everywhere was unparalleled. Phyllis was so kind to me and my entire family. We will miss her so.

Dr Donna Cameron on behalf of the CBL Team, Dept of Family Medicine, Georgetown Univ School of Medicine wrote on January 5, 2024 at 2:27 pm

What a painful and significant loss, Dr Roett! So unexpected; such a central figure in your family; such a dear!
I hope you will find comfort and support from the love we all have for you and your family!