Rocita Richardson

Rocita “ mama c ita ” Richardson, of L aventille Road , F ebeau village , S an Juan, passed away on March 23 rd , 2020 in New York City. She was b orn on May 11 th , 1935 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the late Alma Adams and Richard Bobb . R ocita was the wife of the late Hayden Richardson with whom she had four children - Annette “ watty ” Adams , Lydia “ pampam ” O’neil , Desmond “ mappo ” Richardson and the “ late ” Andy “Zorro” Richardson.  She was also the mother in law to the Late Wins t on O’neil .

Mama Cita left behind siblings Myrtle McAuley, Lolita Bobb , the late Joan Jacobs and Lindo Bobb .  She also had many grandchildren, great grandchildren , nieces, nephews’ , cousins and a host of friends and church family members .

In the early 60’s Cita was hired at Carib b rewery where she worked for 25 year s and a fter retirement, she took on the responsibility of raising her grandchildren Sheldon, Allister, Akeba and the late Shawny .

In the early 90’s Rocita migrated to the US to join her daughter, where she worked as a home attendant for a few years.  In the interim, she also took care of her great Grandchildren and even the kids of her neighborhood .  She was always a woman of strong character who was respected and loved by everyone.

As the winter’s became unbearable, she would return to Trinidad during the cold months and picked up where she left off from feeding the people of the community to “liming by the courts” giving snacks and knowledge to the little ones. Mama Cita was a staunch PNM – (People’s National Movement) supporter who always made sure to vote at every election and take part take part in rallies and fundraisers. Not to mention that she was a strong supporter of her grandson in law Eldon Coker, who is also a PNM councilman.

Mama Cita was celebrated i n 2010 & 2015 with a birthday celebration in New York and Trinidad and Tobago respectively. At these birthday gatherings, we would always sing her special song. It has now become a family tradition for everyone to join in with her. “Today has been my birthday, but tonight I hurt so bad, the postman didn’t even stop, when he passed by my yard, I unwrapped the tiny package, that I bought myself, and I say “happy birthday to me.”

Once in a while Mama C ita w ould indulge in a drink or two and would take a “ shot ” of the “ Hard S tuff” such as whiskey and vodka or whatever was at hand.  With a mischievous smile, she would always say, “lemme get a bun mouth nah.” and a ll we could do was shake our head s and smile as we gave it to her because we knew that it made her happy.

Mama Cita would be remembered for her sense of humor and unwavering belief that with God, all things are possible. She Loved the Casino and visited every chance she got.  On the occasions that I would take her, mama would be the designated “money holder” if I won. However, when I lost what I had , I would go looking for mama to get my other winnings.  The minute that mama saw m e coming, she would say “ W atty , take it easy nah.” But would quickly give up the money, when I proceeded to fuss with her.

Mama Cita will be greatly missed by all those who had the opportunity to know her.  She was a kind, loving , giving and very patient woman who always wanted to cook for everyone. She enjoyed going to church on a Sunday and was able to reconnect to her spirituality with God.

In happier times in Trinidad, mama would always be remembered for diligently selling her chicken foot souse, boil corn and her famous “ geera neck” every Friday and Saturday in front of “Freddy’s” - the neighborhood parlor.

A few days before she passed, M ama C ita sang the birthday song for her daughter’s friend Drucilla on her birthday in Florida .  It would be the last time she would ever sing it.  Gone but will never be forgotten, w e say RIP “mam a cita ”. We will always Love you!

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