Obituary of AGNES BABULAL

AGNES BABULAL NÉE GANNESS

January 19, 1928 – August 21, 2018

Peacefully on the evening of August 21st, 2018, with son Irwyn and granddaughter Briyenne at her side in prayer, Agnes Babulal of Trinidad and Winnipeg passed on.

She was predeceased by her seven siblings and husband of 46 years, Mc Farlane. Agnes is survived by her eight children; Jane Gonzales (Meraldo), Vernon, Janet Samsundar (Jagdhis), Myiah Wagner (Pete), Merle Vanterpool (Elric), Irwyn (Caroline), Mc Farlane (Beulah), and Stephen (Pauline); fourteen grandchildren; Gail, Meraldo Jr; Cherzan (son of Vernon and Anisa); Scotty, Rocky; Rajesh, Naresh, Suresh, Giresh; Jerome; Briyenne (daughter of Irwyn and Betty); Joni, Wesley, Adeline; and seventeen great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Agnes lived a full and remarkable life. Her journey began in Cedros on the island of Trinidad, a tiny fishing village in a most remote part of the country.  She married Mc Farlane at a very young age in the year 1942, and immediately proceeded with raising a family. Life was challenging due to wartime conditions.  Combined with rural living conditions which by today’s standards would be characterized as most basic, Agnes learned at a very young age the essential qualities of perseverance, tenacity, hard work, modesty, and frugality.   

With four young children in tow, Agnes and husband relocated to the capital city, Port-of-Spain in 1951.  She was determined to advance in life and was entirely devoted to her husband and the vision they both had for their growing family. Agnes stayed at home with the children while Mc Farlane worked for various hospitals until retirement. In 1965 Agnes’ last child was born, but as you can imagine, the Babulal household of eight children by that time benefitted from a firm but loving figurehead. A true mother, her family was her first priority and together with her husband, she did everything she could, and to the best of her abilities, to raise and support her children so they could be happy in life.  In addition to managing a busy home, Agnes always made time for extended family; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, which she continued to do right up until her death.

A big change occurred for Agnes when in 1988 she left Trinidad to take up a new life in Canada with her husband and with the support of Myiah and Pete in the city of Winnipeg.  Unfortunately Agnes’ husband Mc Farlane died two weeks after their arrival in Winnipeg thus initiating a new challenge for her, one that she would subsequently turn into an opportunity of renewed life and hope.  But Mc Farlane was her one true love, and she missed him every day for thirty years until her death, often reflecting on his companionship and the things he valued most about family and duty.  Agnes showed us the true meaning of devotion and commitment. 

Agnes made herself comfortable amongst others, but make no mistake, she was her own boss!  At the age of 73 Agnes decided she wanted to go it alone and reside in her very own apartment in Winnipeg.  For the first time in her life she would be independent and responsible for and to no one but herself, at an age when many seniors would consider the opposite in terms of living arrangements. This phase initiated what was a most fulfilling and rewarding time of her life, as she savored the joy of waking up each morning and planning each day in her own way.  During these years she cooked to her heart’s content, and food was sure to be served for anyone who dropped by to visit.  Agnes always loved making her signature ‘Ma style’ roti for family and friends.  Likewise, she took great pride in the many blankets she crocheted for her loved ones over the years.

Agnes especially enjoyed having Myiah, Pete, Irwyn and Briyenne close by in Winnipeg, and treasured the many phone calls from all those she knew, local and far away. Agnes’ life in Winnipeg was full and rich, and she connected with new friends as though they were family.  Indeed, her friends were her extended family and she enjoyed every moment of laughter, storytelling, visits, outings, dinners, church events, shopping trips, walks, and gatherings.  She inspired us, made us proud, comforted us, and gave us countless reasons to love, laugh, forgive, share, reflect, and live selflessly.    

Agnes was not educated in the traditional academic sense but she was smart, very smart! You might have been lucky to sneak something past her for a short time, but she’d eventually figure it out. She was resourceful, modest, and mindful, and when you needed a boost, she’d share her wisdom to let you know she understood. She had an unwavering devotion to God, and lived out her Christian faith in everything she did.  For Agnes, each day began and ended with prayer.  She was keenly aware of the life challenges and struggles of others, and she never passed up an opportunity to pray for her family and friends.

Agnes was a mother to everyone and lovingly known as “Ma” to all. Her spirit lives on in the memories of those who knew her. We will forever remember her words of wisdom, acts of kindness, laughter, and enduring prayers.

Sincere appreciation to Rev. Fr. Mark Gnutel and Rev. Fr. Alan Wizinsky of St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church for their gifts in prayer and liturgy.  Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Dermot Brennan of Ireland for his prayers and guidance, and for his lifelong support for Agnes and her entire family.

Go in peace, Ma.

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Visitation will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg on Monday August 27 at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Very Rev. Fr. Mark Gnutel officiating.

Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.