Hyacinth Rubel Litchmore (nee Martin), the second child of Samuel and Amybell Martin, was born on 10th August 1925 in the parish of St Ann, Jamaica. She was younger sister to Delmina, and older sister to Fitzgerald, Carmen, Ariel, Gizzel and Zurite. Hyacinth was the last surviving member of the family.

After leaving school at the age of 15, Hyacinth went on to learn the trade of sewing and dressmaking. Being from a farming family, Hyacinth also connected well with the land, and gained an appreciation for her parents’ efforts to maintain their livelihood.

Hyacinth (Miss Hya) married Nehemiah Litchmore in November 1947. Together they raised three children, Grace (G), Barrington (Barry) and Desrick (Binsy) in St. Andrew, Jamaica. During this time, Miss Hya worked tirelessly in the family’s grocery shop. She supplemented these earnings by peddling in various types of work, embodying the values of hard work and resilience.

In 1976, she courageously embarked on a new chapter of life, immigrating to Canada to join her late husband Nehemiah, who immigrated in 1972. She settled in Toronto and began a new career as a hotel housekeeper, where she built very strong friendships and lasting relationships with her supervisors, staff members and guests. During this time, Nehemiah and Hyacinth became active members of the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church, in Toronto, reflecting her natural ability to adapt to a new and culturally different environment.

After the death of her husband in 1988, she lived alone for some time. She later moved to live with her daughter Grace who was also living in Toronto. During her later years she travelled back and forth from Canada to Jamaica, splitting her time between her three children. While in Jamaica, she found pleasure traveling with her eldest son to the various congregations where he served as an itinerant Methodist Minister.

Miss Hya was a caring and loving person. She was also very particular and possessed an indomitable spirit, unafraid to speak her mind and to share her perspective. Her determination and strength were evident in every aspect of her life. Miss Hya’s family and friends will remember her as a vibrant, generous, and determined woman who loved deeply and gave selflessly. She leaves behind a legacy of love, care, and countless cherished memories.

The family will welcome friends and relatives on March 22, 2025, 9:00 am until 10:00am at Meadowvale Cemetery and Funeral Home in Brampton, Ontario. A service of thanksgiving will follow at 10:00am in the chapel. Hyacinth will be laid to rest at Meadowvale Cemetery. A reception will follow at the same location. A memorial service will be held in her honour at the Rock Hall Methodist Church, St Andrew, Jamaica on May 3, 2025.

Hyacinth is survived by her children: Grace, Barrington, Desrick and his wife Varma; grandchildren: Francine, Jodie-Ann, Othniel and his wife Senait, and Rashelle; great grandchildren: Ellon-Reneé, Mezan, Ariam and Wintana; nieces and nephews; and several cousins and friends.

In honour of Hyacinth’s life, please consider making a contribution to the Rock Hall Methodist Church care ministry, in support of outreach activities to support families in need in her former community.