BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE SCHOOL SONG of the former Girls’ High School (GHS) again rang out both in Toronto and Basseterre as past students of that School bade farewell to yet another of their diminishing sisterhood.
Although the Girls’ High School ceased to be in 1967 when it was merged with the St. Kitts Nevis Grammar School thereby becoming the Basseterre High School, students of that School still remain united, bonded by the common school culture and standards by which they were molded.
Sylvia Woods exemplified the teachings of this School and her Church (Moravian denomination) hence her life was honoured at home and abroad by family, friends, fellow students and her Church.
Although many of the present generation in St. Kitts may not have known her well since she migrated to Canada sometime in the seventies, those who knew her speak volumes of her kind and thoughtful nature, her strong family orientation, her love for music and dedication to her Church.
While she served in St. Kitts at the Zion Moravian Church, she was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Senior Choir and an officer of the Boys’ Brigade (Life Boys Section).
She continued her dedication to her Church after she migrated to Canada and was instrumental in starting the New Dawn Moravian Church in Toronto.
On September 21st Sylvia Yvonne Woods was laid to rest at that Church in Toronto. Her cremated remains were brought to St. Kitts and a Memorial Service celebrating her life was held at the Zion Moravian Church, Basseterre, on Friday 4th October 2013.
Of her Funeral Service in Toronto, one past GHS member wrote:
“So, we went to Sylvia's funeral today. She had quite a send off. Besides us singing the school song (quite a few ladies too), there were three choirs and lots of hymns for the congregation; there was piano, organ and trumpet. And the church was packed. If she could see she would have smiled.”
Here too in St. Kitts Sylvia’s love for music was acknowledged by renditions of the Senior Choir and the congregational Trumpet Song, beautifully enhanced by Bro. Nigel Williams on the trumpet.
And after the trumpet sounded to signal her ‘rise to immortality’ according to the song, the past students, as well as her friends, family and her Church were able to sing with utmost sincerity,
“Servant of God, well done!
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master’s joy!”
May her soul be blessed. Condolences to family and friends from the Past Students of the Girls’ High School.
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