Pooniah Etwaru

Pooniah Etwaru was born on the 28th day of December 1943 at Mahaicony, East Coast of Demerara, in Guyana, to the late Etwaru and Sanicharie. She was the 13th of 15 children which boasted 10 boys and 5 girls. She is survived by two brothers and one sister. 

Pooniah’s parents were farmers and at an early age, she was expected to contribute to the farm and was not exposed to the educational process but as Pooniah matured, she taught herself to read and comprehend. 

As was the cultural norm at the time, Pooniah was married at a very tender age to the late Tulsidas Ramnarine. The union bore 5 children, 1 son and 4 daughters, Basant, Meena, Sheila, Shirley and Pearley. However, the union did not last and Pooniah was left to raise the children as a single mother. 

Pooniah persevered and her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. Venturing into different types of businesses where she found some modicum of success. As a result, she was able to provide a stable home and ensure that her children were well cared for and received their education. 

As Pooniah continued to travel through her uncharted journey, she encountered several people who along the way supported and encouraged her up until the time of her death. Some of these people were and still are a part of her and her family lives. 

Pooniah and her family migrated to the United States. Upon arrival Pooniah settled in the Queens, N.Y area. This is where she began to attend church at the invitation of her daughters where she learned about Christ. After attending church frequently, she was convicted by the spirit of God and felt the love of Jesus saturate her soul. She was subsequently baptized at the Jamaica S.D.A church on the 28th of March 1998. 

Little did she know, her journey wasn’t uncharted, it was directed by Christ. Pooniah paved the way for her children and grandchildren to all be able to further their education and careers. She was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Rayald, Eon Jr, Wesley, Sharlene, Michael, Maxwell, Joshua, Avinash, Isabel, Isaiah and 2 great grandchildren Michael and Athena Ivory. Collectively, her grandchildren have obtained 4 bachelor degrees and 1 masters degree with others currently pending. She was so proud every time she heard of one of their accomplishments.

Her responsibilities and love for her family did not permit her much time for personal pleasures. However, in her quiet moments, she did find some time to indulge in her hobbies which consist of gardening, cooking, sewing and watching her favorite crime shows. During the spring and summer months, she would spend hours nursing her plants with her green thumb.

Like many women before her, Pooniah’s life story will not be recorded in the history books. Her determination, her strength and unswerving spirit, are just some of the characteristics which we will forever remember and cherish. This is her legacy to us. We will endeavor to preserve and share with future generations. 

We love you and you will surely be missed. 

Until we all meet again in God's bountiful glory. Rest in Peace

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