Anguilla says farewell to an honoured daughter, Mrs. Florel Octavia Harrigan, in a National Funeral at 10 am on Saturday April 29th 2017 at the HillTop Baptist Church, Island Harbour. She died on April 14, 2017 at the age of 89.
Affectionately known to her family, and across the island, as Sweetie, Florel was born in Island Harbour on December 7, 1927 to a family of eight children, 2 boys and 6 girls. As the sister and next-door neighbour of Revolutionary Leader, James Ronald Webster, she stood in the frontlines during the Revolution in 1967 and often hid, fed, and protected her brother when police or soldiers were looking for him.
Florel would often tie her animals above the hole which concealed him. A vital ear above ground, she would collect and pass important information to James Ronald Webster when he was in hiding, and she was a leader among the women who were ever present, boisterous and vocal, during demonstrations or public meetings. She was very conscious of her national responsibility, and was recognized as one of Anguilla’s Heroines with a Badge of Honour and Queens Certificate for her part in the Revolution.
She was also a woman of faith – a stalwart of the HillTop Baptist Church – and played a vital role in that church’s evangelization efforts for over 40 years. She lost her husband when her first child was 16 and last child was just one and a half, and therefore had to work hard as a single mother of six boisterous children: Roland, Paul (Freddie), Winifred, Eversly (Dubah), Lucy and Vanier.
Sweetie never complained of her difficult tasks, nor did she ever turn anyone away – be it family, friend or visitor wanting to stop by the yard for a soulful chat and a helping hand. As her children grew up, she made sure those who lived nearby would attend a weekly Sunday family luncheon. She was the glue that kept her family together. Her family, and her role as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, were most important to her – where she drew her strength, and where she left her legacy. In addition to her descendants, she is survived by her only remaining sibling, Olive Hodge, and many other relatives and friends. Sweetie was a vibrant soul, one who illuminated with love and grace. May her soul rest in peace!
