Mrs. Stella Horsford, a former Modern Language Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, and a member of the Soroptimist Club, has been praised for her caring love for her daughter, the late Diane Horsford, who served in the Anguilla public service for a number of years.
The commendation came from the Rt. Reverend Errol Brooks while delivering the sermon on Friday, September 30, during the Funeral Eucharist for the departed young woman.
Noting that Diane had been ailing for some time, Bishop Brooks said at St. Mary’s Parish Church: “I believe that her faith in God and the love of family and friends enabled her to withstand the storms which she experienced. At this juncture, I wish to salute her mother, Mrs. Stella Horsford, for the care and attention she paid to Diane throughout her illness. Some of us may say, ‘well, after all, she was her mother – what would you expect?’ But we thank God for mothers like Mrs. Horsford for, believe it or not, there are mothers who would have advanced all the reasons in the world for not standing with their sick child. On numerous occasions Mrs. Horsford accompanied Diane overseas, providing her with much-needed support and care. She did so to the end.”
In addition to those comments by the Bishop, it is known that on Diane’s last trip to Puerto Rico, for medical attention, her mother, who was with her, was preparing to accompany her back to Anguilla. While doing so, and with an Anguillian aircraft waiting in Puerto Rico for them, Diane passed away. Thus, her mother was obliged to return home alone. Due to the regulations, Diane’s body was flown to the United States for later arrival in Anguilla – adding to the anguish of her mother, siblings and other relatives.
In paying tribute to Diane, for her service in Anguilla, Bishop Brooks said: “We want to thank God for the time that He gave our sister, Diane, to share her life with us and the good she accomplished among us. We recall her days as a Teacher at the Island Harbour Primary School for six years. Many of those, whom she taught, speak about her kind and caring attitude. On more than one occasion Diane spoke to me about her wish to support and care for children in need. It is Christian, and a noble thing, to reach out to those who are in need.
“There are children in our community who, through no fault of their own, are in dire need of our support and care. The same is true throughout our region and the rest of the world. Rather than honing our resources and being selfish, how about reaching out to help others to experience God’s love?
“Apart from teaching, Diane worked for several years in the Medical and Health services as a Cashier. She also worked at the Public Works Department and at the Department of Social Development. We give thanks to God for Diane’s contribution to this community. I believe that Diane would have been willing to give more of herself at each stage of her life, but her health challenges did not permit her to do so.”
During the tribute portion of the funeral service, there were performances by the Concert Band of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, directed by Music Teacher, Mr. Lennox Vanterpool.
Among those at the funeral were members of the Soroptimist Club of Anguilla in which Mrs. Stella Horsford held membership for many years.
