Amynell L

Stubbs

REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

Affectionately known as Gran, Aunt Lou, Mamma Lou, Amynell Louise Stubbs, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, was born on June 18,1923 in Charles Town, St. Mary, Jamaica to Cyril Gordon and Eulalee McLean.

While much isn't known about her upbringing, Gran spoke fondly of her father (Cyril), a local butcher. She talked about the importance of community in those times, as most people bartered goods and services in order to build and progress as a community. Relationships and connections built on trust and reliability were very important to her, and she demonstrated this these characteristics throughout the years. When her father passed away, the family was greatly impacted. Unable to afford traditional schooling, she worked alongside her Mother (Eulalee), Tower Isles, a popular hotel resort at the time, as a chamber maid.

In the early 1960's, Amynell left a familiar life in Jamaica and migrated to England with the love of her life, Aaron and their youngest daughter Patricia. They were married on June 22, 1963 at the Forest Gate Methodist Church in England. Aaron and Amy wanted to have a suitable home for their family. What they could afford was not suitable, and what was suitable was out of their affordability. They chose a suitable home and sublet an area to tenants. This would be their first foray into real estate. Together, they eventually owned multiple properties, including a multi-family home, and an apartment building in North Miami Beach, Florida. After a few years in England, Amynell migrated to Canada, and then Roosevelt, New York. In 1976, the family made their home at 1092 Margaret Street in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Amynell's life was filled with joy and passion. She had a wide range of interests and hobbies, including knitting (she often made very large blankets by hand) gardening, and bingo. By day, she worked in the dietary services department at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. She enjoyed cooking, and her kitchen was regularly filled with the aroma of traditional Jamaican foods such as oxtail, curried goat, and brown stew chicken. Gran was also an avid baker and was known for her baked pudding, and traditional black cake- most notably during Christmas time. The Christmas parties she hosted were epic. She would dance to light reggae tunes- and Aaron (known for being very serious and focused), would join in!

She also enjoyed a wide range of television programming and enjoyed watching Oprah, The Ricky Lake Show (she was often intrigued/ fascinated by American pop culture) and Peoples Court (in her mind, watching Judge Wapner regularly equated to a law degree, and you couldn't tell her a THING about the law… after all, she saw it on People's Court).

No matter what, was going on in life, Gran would frequently be heard humming 'One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus'

While Amynell was unable to benefit from traditional higher education in her youth, she was a brilliant woman who was insistent that her family (especially the young ladies take advantage of every educational opportunity availed to them in the U.S. She encouraged fiscal responsibility and independence, while also successfully being the banker of a large Partner (SouSou) in Bergen County for nearly 2 decades. She was not one to miss an election and was proud to cast her vote and be a part of the Democratic process. She encouraged better for all, and appreciated the opportunities that were afforded in the United States that were not as readily accessible to her elsewhere.

Gran was known for her generosity and willingness to help others. She played a vital role as a food service worker, serving as a gateway to America for many people. She assisted countless individuals in migrating to the United States, making a profound impact on their lives. Amynell was also actively involved in her community, faithfully serving at the United Methodist Church in Englewood, NJ and in Fort Lauderdale.

Amynell and Aaron resided in Teaneck until 1999. Following their retirement, they relocated to Plantation, Florida. There, they made new friends, but always remained connected to family, friends, and lived ones from NY, NJ, Jamaica and abroad. Amynell had a deep connection to her Jamaican roots and often returned to build homes, visit family and friends, and care for her loved ones.

Amynell's defining personality traits included strength, love, trustworthiness, generosity, and faith. She was an outspoken woman who fearlessly expressed her thoughts and opinions, even if they were not always what others wanted to hear. Despite her blunt nature, Amynell was deeply caring and loving towards her family and friends.

Amynell leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her daughters, Madge Haughton, Patricia Washington, and Dornet Christie, as well as her sons Edward and Vincent. She was predeceased by her husband, Aaron Stubbs, and her son, Malton McFarlane. Amynell's memory will be cherished by her six children, 28 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of family, friends, and loved ones.

Amynell Louise Stubbs will be remembered as a trailblazer, a loving matriarch, and a dedicated servant of her community. Her impact as a gateway to America and her commitment to her family will forever be cherished. As we bid farewell to Amynell, let us remember the strength, love, and faith she exemplified throughout her remarkable life and was rewarded by living over 100 years!

Her memory will be cherished by all.