Mrs. Iris Dholarie Dharampaul was born on January 20, 1934 in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana. She was truly a sojourner in the land, having lived in multiple places on two continents at various times. In her last years, she looked forward increasingly to going home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our Mom, Iris, peacefully and gloriously went to be with the Lord on April 6, 2021 at the age of 87. Those with her at the time of her passing tell of her reaching up her hands towards heaven and calling on the Name of her Lord Jesus, and speaking of angels and light that were about her as she left this world. Iris was a devoted mother and wife who lived sacrificially for her family and faithfully to her God. With her husband Cecil, who predeceased her in 1990, she had seven children. The Lord doubly blessed her with fourteen grandchildren. She has nine great-grandchildren, and counting? She would often say that she loved every one of her children, and prayed for them and theirs each and every day! Iris was a school teacher in New Amsterdam for over 25 years and believed in the value of education, and the importance of integrity, respect and consideration for others. But as the greatest of teachers, she taught by example! By her life, she inspired and provoked others to strive for excellence and to reach beyond what our frail flesh can accomplish, to move mountains. Her motto was, pray! By this, she survived a harsh land and difficult life, moved to a new land as a single parent (braved the cold), and gave her kids an education, all the while preserving her integrity and exemplifying the virtuous woman written of in Proverbs 31. She was known for her charity which was demonstrated in a multitude of ways, such as giving extra lessons after school free of charge, feeding the poor, and giving generously to acquaintances, friends, family, and to the Lords work. She was loved and respected by her peers, friends and the community. She was comfortable with people, and offered comfort and support where needed. Iris emigrated to Canada in 1985 and continued her career in education, specializing in Early Childhood. Although she retired at age 65, Iris loved to learn, and was always reading, researching and documenting. Her notebooks and papers are covered in scriptures and quotes. She would often insert an appropriate saying, proverb, or quote into any conversation and was known for her amazing repertoire of memorized poetry even to her last days. Oh, and she loved to sing hymns! In her latter years, as her strength lagged behind her will, and as Jesus strength was made perfect in her weakness, she would reminisce on the industry of her youth and say, Gone are the days when my heart was young and gay, Gone are my friends from the cotton fields away, Gone from the earth to a better land I know... and Memories are treasures, that no one can steal, Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal... Although we could never match the love and care she gave each one of us, our Mom and Grandma will always be a part of us and will continue to be a part of our lives. Death leaves a heartache No one can heal, Memories are treasures No one can steal, Some may forget you Now that you are gone, But we will remember No matter how long. You will always stay loved and remembered, In every way, No tears, no verse, Can ever say how much we miss you every day.