Angela Reid-gordon will be translating in heaven
SHE lived her life simply but effectively. Angela Reid-gordon never wore what she knew on her sleeve and she knew a lot. On Friday, April 26, the thanksgiving service in memory of the exemplary life she lived and the example she set for lesser mortals was held at Tarrant Baptist Church at Molynes Road in Kingston and the church was filled to capacity.
In remembering her life, Tony Lowrie, a longtime friend and colleague was right on the button.
“A more loving wife, mother, daughter and sister can’t be found,” he said in his remembrance.
Angela Lilieth Reid-gordon was born on March 19, 1961 to parents Sybil and Copeland Reid. She attended Central Branch All-age School before passing the Common Entrance Examination for Wolmer’s Girls’ School. She then matriculated to The University of the West Indies where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in languages.
Reid-gordon was fluent in French, Spanish, and German and her love for languages served her well.
Certainly, she must be translating for the angels in heaven.
In paying tribute to her life, Reid-gordon’s sister, Julia Reid, recalled that she was a beautiful soul who made everyone around her feel special.
“She lived a life of grace, love, and kindness. She understood that we are one with God, one with people. She was an angel,” Reid told the congregation.
Former broadcaster Ian Andrews gave tribute with a rendition of the hymn To God Be The Glory.
But the church was moved by two musical tributes from her bereaved husband, renowned
photojournalist Michael Gordon, who played his harmonica with aplomb as he delivered versions of Morning Has Broken and If I Can Help Somebody.
Reid-gordon was first employed as an editor at Jamaica Information Service’s Publications Department and it was there that she met Gordon. Their relationship blossomed for 37 years until her transition.
Reid-gordon’s life was filled with coincidences, according to Lowrie.
He said she died one day before her birthday and her thanksgiving service was held one day before her anniversary.
Her list of accomplishments are long. Reid-gordon was a member of a Radio Jamaica public relations team that broadened the listenership of that media entity through serious groundwork in schools. She also worked with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and served as that agency’s representative in France when the Reggae Boyz competed in the 1998 Fifa World Cup.
Lowrie, who was also employed by the JTB, paid tribute to her work ethic.
“She was a soft-spoken, pleasant team member who made our work easier,” he said.
After taking time off to care for her ailing mother and sister, Reid-gordon returned to the professional world and was employed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ).
She remained with that company as a public relations executive until she retired a few months before her passing.
ICAJ boss Rosemarie Heaven was equally full
of praise for her professionalism and kind-heartedness.
“She developed a special bond with the staff of the secretariat. Angela was like family to us. She was a mentor to the younger staff members who she always looked out for. She was impeccable in her writing, her speech, her mode of dress, and her decorum. Angela was always checking details. ICAJ has truly lost a great employee,” Heaven said.
Reid-gordon was interred at Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.