Obituary of Leila Fraser
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Leila St. Clara Fraser
October 12, 1937 - October 29, 2024
Leila St. Clara Fraser, lovingly known as Baby, Auntie Baby, Cousin Baby, Grandma Leila, was called home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Tuesday, October 29th, 2024. Born on October 12, 1937, at No. 2 Village, East Canje Berbice, Leila resided there with her late aunt, the late Georgiana Rodney, until she met and married Carlton Fraser, lovingly called Ruben, and Uncle Ruben. They built a life together for forty-five years before he was called to be with the Lord. They lived in several areas across Guyana due to our dad’s work.
In later years, Leila migrated to the United States, where she resided in Plainfield with her daughter, Ingrid, and granddaughter, Candace. She was a devoted homemaker who cared deeply for her children and took pride in creating a warm, welcoming home for her family and friends. Leila was the daughter of the late Olga Martindale and Russell Lambert.
Known for her compassionate heart, Leila loved giving and believed that "it's the thought that counts." She embodied love, compassion, and grace, all wrapped in a quiet and feisty spirit. She shared a deep love of music and was known for her beautiful singing voice, a rare talent in our immediate family. She enjoyed hobbies such as word games and crossword puzzles, bringing her joy and keeping her mind sharp. Leila also loved baking and cooking and was always eager to try new recipes. She loved attending church until she suffered a stroke in 2019. Her church community was a source of great joy and inclusion, and she felt deeply blessed by the visits, prayers, and phone calls from her church family, especially Mother Dorothy, Ms. Shirley, Nikki, Carolanne, and Beverly. Our mother showed strength until the end, especially with her witty tongue.
Leila was married to our dad, Carlton Fraser, for 45 years until his transition. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Constance Lambert, Ingrid Yansen, Valerie Fraser, Carlton Fraser Jr., Althea Skeete, Linden Fraser, Leslyn Fraser-London, Patrice Fraser, and Keith Fraser. She was a cherished grandmother to Candace Cort, Rene Fraser, Keisha Fraser, Brianna Fraser, Brishana Fraser, Shamar Fraser, Okera Skeete, Taleka Skeete, Amber Lyte, and 21 others. Her lineage extends to many great-grandchildren, including Isaiah Holder and 27 others.
Leila is survived by her siblings Joyce Martindale, Compton Martindale, Vibert Martindale (deceased), Mignon Martindale (deceased), Cheryl Martindale, Yvonne Martindale-Jarvis, Desiree Sobers, Sidney Stewart, and Dennis Stewart. She was also a beloved sister-in-law to Sheila Stewart, Weshley Jarvis, Terrence Sobers, Ivan Fraser (deceased), Godfrey Fraser (deceased), and Minette Kowleasr.
Leila was the dear aunt of Stafford Stewart, Ernestine Fraser-Grant, Petal Martindale, Nicole Ellis, Alicia Sobers, Kim and Maria Martindale, Amanda Fraser, Terrence Fraser, Travis Jarvis, and 42 others.
She is also remembered as mother-in-law to Colin Lambert and Abina Fraser, and as a mother of love to Ann Luncheon, Odessa Headley, and Phillip Massey.
Leila’s extended family includes her niece, Jean Parris, and many beloved cousins, including Eileen Bennons, Lorina Hopper, George Lawrence, Godfrey Lawrence, Patrick Lawrence, Molly Lambert, and dozens more.
Leila will be missed by her dear friends Joan Wilson, Dorothy Rolston, Shirley Massay, Carolanne Aaron, Marcia Durant, and several others.
The Fraser family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out, prayed, encouraged, and joined in celebrating Leila’s life. Special thanks to the church family at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and the Abundant Grace Worship Ministries. We are deeply grateful to everyone here today for celebrating our mother’s life. Your presence is indeed a blessing to us and a testament to her love for people.
May God’s blessings be with you always. We love you.