MARIGOT—Relatives, friends, villagers co-workers, taxi drivers and many persons on St. Martin/ St. Maarten is mourning the lost of Laurel Richards (55) better known as Yaya. The island's people were shocked beyond comprehension on Wednesday morning when the news broke of her sudden passing. Many of them rushed to the Emerald Funeral Home where the body was taken. Her body lay in the chapel for hours so that mourners could see for themselves that she is indeed gone to be with her maker.
The island has lost a cultural icon, and one that will be greatly missed. Several persons in the community have lost a role model and woman they considered as their very own mother. Those that knew Laurel would know that she loved people, cooking island food and maintaining St. Martin's culture was her passion. Her village and its people was the closest thing to her heart. Youths in the area and even those she met anywhere could depend on Laurel's motherly advice.
Laurel made sure she passed on the island's culture and cooking to several younger people who wanted to learn. There are times when she would just head for the hills with relatives and friends just to cook some island food. Her dumplings were everyone's favourite. Laurel would attract all hundreds of persons during the St. Louis fete which is always held under the tamarind tree.
Shaken by the sudden lost is her sister Anita Flanders- Richards who could hardly hold herself together. She said her sister was always careful and even though she would take care of everyone else she also took great care of herself. Flanders-Richards said only on Monday they were at the beach and Laurel had a good time, she showed no signs of illness.
According to Priscile Figaro, Laurel went to work at the La Samanna Hotel where she worked for years in housekeeping. Figaro said they were told that Laurel began feeling unwell and was preparing to return home when she collapsed in the hotel's office. Figaro said Laurel probably died of a massive heart attack and despite the efforts from the staff she passed away before the ambulance reached the hotel.
Just last year on Valentine's Day the Richards family was struck with tragedy when Laurel lost her son Luther was also died suddenly at the family home. It was clear that Laurel was still mourning the lost of her son who was a fire fighter at the time of his passing.
SMN News wishes the family strength in their time of bereavement.
