Former Science Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, the late Yvonne Francois Harrigan-Thomas, originally of East End, was accorded much commendation for her fortitude, dedication and quality of life at a Thanksgiving Service held at the Central Baptist Church at Rey Hill on January 3.

The late Yvonne Harrigan-Thomas

Mrs. Harrigan-Thomas, who was 49, was the daughter of former member of the early Anguilla Council, Evans Harrigan, and Lucrece Harrigan of East End. She died on December 24, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Teaching Colleagues with tribute in song

Chief Education Officer, Rhonda Connor, spoke about the late teacher’s professional career which was characterised by great pride, enthusiasm and commitment and which, for her, was a most enjoyable and rewarding experience. She entered the education system in Anguilla on January 3, 1980, and served back and forth at the Stoney Ground School, the Morris Vanterpool School at East End and the Valley Secondary School (now Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School) during her first two years. In 1984, following her formal teacher training in St. Kitts, she served at Island Harbour School and after one year was transferred for the final time to the Secondary School.

Scene at the Thanksgiving Service

“Those of us who knew Yvonne professionally, were impressed by her positive attitude to her work and her deep devotion to duty,” Ms. Connor said…. “Because of these qualities, Yvonne assumed a pastoral role and was later promoted Senior Teacher, Exams, on March 1, 2004. Her work in these two areas was marked with great care and attention to details.

Yvonne has made a positive impact on the lives of many and for that she will be remembered,” Ms Connor stated. She asked the family to take comfort in the knowledge that “Yvonne has served her students, her school and island well and that Anguilla will reap the benefits of her struggle for a very long time.”

Scene at the Thanksgiving Service

Principal of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Ingrid Lake, joined in praising the work of her late staff member and offered words of solace to her family.

In the eulogy, Reverend Stanford Harrigan described his sister as having been a true Christian and a well-respected teacher, wife and mother. He said that though severely affected by her illness, she had demonstrated increased faith, caring love and concern for others.

Scene at the Thanksgiving Service

Pastor Cecil Richardson conducted the Thanksgiving Service. He recalled having had the privilege of ministering and working with Yvonne for many years in church settings at Island Harbour and Rey Hill, and that he had always been impressed by her quality of life. Reflecting on her illness, he noted that despite her suffering she had shown great spiritual fortitude and reached out to many, including himself, offering encouragement to them when they in fact were encouraging her.

Perhaps one of the most satisfying roles of her family, in saying goodbye to her, was the manufacture of her casket by her father and Calvin, one of her brothers. Coffin-making has been a long family tradition started by her grandfather in St. Maarten, was then passed on to her father who practised the art in St. Croix and perfected it in Anguilla and now is passing it on to his son, Calvin.

Scene at the Thanksgiving Service

It was a simply-made wooden casket yet in simplicity there was beauty and a touch of elegance and love in its design. “It is not one of those [imported] Hilton Hotels”, Calvin remarked as he and his father busily made the traditional casket in his workshop at Indian Bottom, East End. “She will rest more comfortably knowing we built it for her.”

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