The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer DEANNE Nottage cherished a a good belly aching. Sharing jokes with loved ones, or finding something funny to think about was her way of coping with life's misfortunes. Complaining was never on the list of things to do, simply because enjoying life meant much more. "My mother was the family prankster. She just had a way of making you laugh in the most serious situations. Even at a funeral, she found something funny to laugh at just to distract herself and her emotions," said Tiffany Lundy, her eldest daughter, speaking to Tribune Religion. It has been two years since Deanne's passing. Her children Tiffany and Tameka Grant, do their best to keep their mother's memory alive everyday. Although Deanne had a comedic nature she never allowed that to stop her from putting her foot down and being firm with her children when necessary. "Everyday on my way to school, as we were passing the prison, my mummy gave me this lecture 'I am not coming to visit you if you go to prison. That place is for people who want to be a menace to society'," said Ms Lundy. "My mummy was loving but she was firm with my sister and I, especially when it came to education. She stressed that education was the key to get us from where we were to where we wanted to be. This is something she instilled in us. My mother was a single parent and she put me and my sister through private school on her own, so it was in our best interest to do what we needed to do," she said. Not only did Deanne ensure her children received a good education, she also stressed the importance of unity within the family. "She was premier on family. Family was always first. When she was alive she always tried to keep our family together," said Ms Lundy. To keep their mother's memory alive, the sisters host a New Year's Day celebration to bring their family members together. "This is something my mummy did every year on January 1. She had an open door policy, anyone who wanted to attend was welcomed. Up to this day we still continue with that tradition. This year was a lot more easier for us because we reflected more on my mother's life and the good times we shared with her. At last year's party there was a lot of crying because the family was dealing with the fact that she had passed away," she said. Deanne lived a full life, with no regrets. She was hardworking and extending a helping hand to all who expressed a need. Her life was controlled by love and nothing was too much or too little for her to give," Tameka said. "The Christmas before she died she made us donate turkey and ham. She also donated clothing and other items to the Great Commission Ministries. She did this all the time. She always told us that there are much more less fortunate people than us." In 2009, Deanne was recognised by the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention for her good work. Additionally, she was honoured by the Crooked Island Association. She is hall of famer on the island. Deanne was also a very active member of the Bread of Life Church. In the near future, Tameka said she hopes to open a foundation, dedicating it to her mother. "I would like to help develop more opportunities for young people to receive educational scholarships. My mother taught me to give back and this is my way of doing so and keeping her memory alive at the same time," she said.