PHILIPSBURG:--- Following international news of what seems to be a most brutal assassination of Audrey Tromp and her partner in the Dominican Republic, a memorial service was held for her at the Divi Little Bay. It was a peaceful tribute to a lady who gave much to the community.
Aruban-born Audrey Tromp spent many years on St Maarten during which time she is remembered for her teracotta pot shop on the Bush Road, as the owner of the Empress Car Rental Company and also as founder and organizer of numerous Home & Garden Shows. Her presence within the community was well known but it was from all walks of life that friends attended the service to remember and 'treasure a true Caribbean spirit'.
Joan Samsom who greeted friends and relations at the ceremony spoke of her “passion for touching the hearts and souls of all around her. She was a great communicator – able to share moments of joy for the rhythm of life in a unique way. And she was also an excellent cook!”
Pastor Christopher Johnson referred to “her legacy of being able to lift people up and be a true Christian symbol of how to live life despite the many challenges that are thrown upon our weary shoulders.”
In delivering the eulogy, Jennifer Carty traced her personal experience of how Audrey had impressed and changed her “and those that surrounded her through her selfless perception and a spiritual smile and smiling eyes that defeated the slightest angst.”
Audrey Tromp left St Maarten for Miami in 2006 and later settled with her partner Bob Torcas in the Dominican Republic to run an upmarket Sushi restaurant. It was at home on New Year's Eve that the 57 year old was struck down in circumstances that are still being investigated by the police. Various community leaders alongside many friends were present to say fairwell to a rather fascinating personality.
A mixture of public shock yet private admiration prevailed at the ceremony. All present were conscious of the fact that the latter remains more eternally relevant than the former could ever signify.
