THE body of the late Mrs. Margery Joy Kirkpatrick, M.S., was yesterday afternoon cremated at the Memorial Gardens Crematorium, Plantation Le Repentir, following a thanksgiving service in celebration of her life at the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Broad and Saffon Streets in the city.
At the church, a packed congregation gathered in solemnity to join the bereaved relatives and the Chinese Association of Guyana in paying their last respects to a distinguished daughter of the soil and one of Chinese ancestry, who had passionately championed the cause of the Chinese community in Guyana.
Among those assembled were Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green; Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger; Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, President of the Chinese Association of Guyana and others.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick died on March 21, 2015, at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI), in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital, following a brief period of illness. She was 76.
In acknowledgement of Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s years of dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Chinese Community in Guyana, the Association rendered a tribute to her, in the form of a ‘Lion Dance’ outside the Church, preceding the service.
Meanwhile, the Association, in a documented tribute on behalf of that body and the Chinese community in Guyana, noted that it was with a heavy heart and deep sadness that they said farewell to one of their most distinguished and outstanding members.

It noted that, as a very active member of the Chinese Community in Guyana, Mrs. Kirkpatrick was well recognised for her efforts in promoting the Chinese culture and for her kind assistance and long years of service to the Chinese Association.
“As an author, historian and philanthropist, Mrs. Kirkpatrick had touched the lives of many persons, and was a true inspiration and a pillar of strength to those who knew her. She will always be remembered for her selflessness and sterling contribution to the Chinese Community in Guyana,” the tribute concluded.
And the management and staff of New Thriving, also acknowledging the works of the author, historian and musician, recalled: “She was a valued friend and mentor whose advice and support we deeply cherished over the years. We offer our deepest sympathy to her husband, Dougal, and her entire family.”
Meanwhile, her cousin, Amanda Richards who read the eulogy, reflected on her childhood days – being the eldest of eight children born to Victor and Cicely Ting-A-Kee on October 23, 1938. She attended Duggin’s Private School and later, Bishops’ High, creating the ideal launching pad for a career she later pursued in banking at the Royal Bank of Canada where she spent 23 years.
In 1972 she married Dougal Kirkpatrick, son of the first Guyanese Postmaster General of Guyana, a union which grew progressively ‘from strength to strength and in which they upheld the sacred vow “…’til death do us part.” The union also produced three children – two boys and one girl.
Innovative and industrious, on leaving the Bank of Canada, Margery took over her mother’s catering service which had the contract to cater for the National Assembly. Investing heavily in the business, she caused it to bloom and grow. Such a huge success it was, in time she developed a reputation both at home and abroad for her culinary skills. She was also responsible for training women in the culinary arts.
In 1984 she was awarded the Medal of Service for long service and exceptional dedication in the research and promotion of Guyanese foods. Mrs. Kirkpatrick, proprietrix of the popular Kirkpatrick’s Catering Service, Jamoon Drive, Meadowbrook Gardens, had made a big impact in the catering business in Guyana and was known for her tasty cuisine. She also offered for rental a prestigious banquet venue for the hosting of wedding receptions, staff parties and the like, in a garden-like atmosphere.
In 2002 she was awarded for being a ‘Woman of Distinction; and in 2005, Mother of the Year and an Ambassador of peace. She was one of the founding members of the prestigious Woodside choir, a former member of Bishops’ High Old Girls’ Choir, the Royal Bank Singers and the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church Choir.
A published author, historian and philanthropist, she is well known for her book “The Way We Were – Memories of a Childhood in British Guiana.
Margery will be remembered as one who was always willing to contribute to a worthy cause, giving willingly to religious organisations, service clubs, youth groups, schools and the like. She had a big heart and was always disposed to helping those in need,” the eulogy noted.

By Shirley Thomas