ROCKHEAD, Alva (Gaga) born December 17, 1937 in St. James, Jamaica passed away peacefully in her 83rd year on April 4, 2020 with her biggest fan and much-loved son, Shawn by her side. Alva loved the Lord and is now in his presence. Daughter of Blake Rockhead and Ivy Young and much-loved mother of Duke (deceased), Raquelle (deceased), Linnette, Dean, Novelette and Shawn. Predeceased by her siblings Joycent, Ruby, Bernice, Wesley and Basil (Carny). Survived by siblings Lucy (Daphne), Desmond (Samson), Gerald (Ocho) and Donald (Nueve). She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Marcel, Kevin, Kaylon, Jaren, Kristen, Sian, Nile, Nande and Nia and great grandchildren Daija, Cierra, Brooklyn, Alonso Jake, Noelle and extended family in Jamaica, USA and England. Alva left Jamaica and lived in the Bahamas for 2 years before immigrating to Canada in 1970. She was a seamstress for many years before working at the Yonge Street Mission as the clothing store manager (which later became, Alva’s Bargain Basement) up until her retirement in 2003.
Alva was a woman of God and was a vital part of the membership at Riverside Evangelical Missionary Church for many years. She had an adventurous spirit and loved engaging with people. She loved to travel and organized many excursions with her friends and church family. She was well known and loved by many in her community because of her helpful nature, outgoing personality and great sense of humor. A special thank you to the staff at Cawthra Gardens Long Term Care for the compassionate care they provided Alva. A funeral service and internment took place on April 8, 2020 at Pine Hills Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.