Hellan Evadne Smellie, daughter of Norman Ferdinand Stewart and Pearl Winifred “Rose” Ricketts, was born on November 29, 1936 in Jamaica’s parish of St. Andrew. She came to the United States in 1956, where she met and married Joseph Carson in New York.
She proudly became a citizen of the United States in 1971.
Hellan’s life revolved around work and family and she spent countless hours working as a healthcare provider to raise her 5 children. Over the course of more than 40 years, Hellan compassionately worked to care for the elderly both in care facilities and privately.
Later in her life, after being divorced for many years, she was blessed to find love again when she met and married Oswald Smellie in Brooklyn, New York during the summer of 2001. They later retired and moved to Florida until his subsequent passing. Hellan then relocated to Arizona to be close to her children.
Hellan is survived by her 5 children, Coleen Thomas, Joseph Carson Jr., Sandra Arthur, Paula Carson and Stephanie Walters. She had 7 grandchildren, Justin, Brandon, Matthew, Haelie, Asja, Cymmone and Miles and her 10 great grandchildren Lailani, Aliyah, Izabella, Quantez, Ilayana, Evadne, Brooklyn, Dontae, Jahmiya, Kendryk.
She is also survived by her brother Rudolph Stewart and Norma Ransome. Mourning her loss are also several nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends.
Hellan’s contagious zest for life was felt by everyone and we were all blessed to be a part of her colorful life.
A famous writer once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”. If that is true, then Hellan Smellie made a great life. She was one of the most giving, persevering and resourceful people I have ever known.
Hellan was born in Jamaica at home on 11/29/1936. She was such a small premature baby that the midwives did not think she would survive. As a result, she wasn’t registered until 12/29/1936. Hellan is the 2nd child of Norman Stewart and Pearl Ricketts. She attended St Francis Catholic primary school and Kingsway high school.
During her teen years she met and fell in love with Hermon King and gave birth to her 1st child. A few years later she migrated to the US to be with her mother and to forge a new life. She subsequently met and married Joe Carson and over the years gave birth to 4 other children. Hellan and Joe divorced and many years later she met and married Oswald Smellie.
For over 40 years Hellan worked as a nurse, doing private duty and in the hospital. She was so devoted to her elderly patients, she normally worked 12 and 16 hour shifts daily. Hellan was very passionate about her children and grandchildren. She was always present at important events.
Hellan was an avid shopper. She loved fashion, outfits, shoes and bags. She had a curious mind and enjoyed traveling and learning about other countries. She travelled to London, Paris, Italy and on numerous cruises throughout the Caribbean.
In her later years, the casinos were her favorite place to go with her trusted homecare partner in crime and sidekick Ann. Hellan was a remarkable woman who was kind, giving thoughtful and fun-loving. Above all she believed in God, family, faith and hard work, independence and compassion. She always said “you only live once, so enjoy it while you can”
Hellan Evadne! Too much to touch, too bold to hold, too bad to control and too much to be forgotten. The epitome of style and grace. The perfect example of a lady! Everything you would expect and an abundance of more. There was nothing that our mother wouldn’t do to take care of our family. It’s sad to know that she is not here anymore. At the end of the day life throws you a curve ball. No matter who you are this curve ball will be pitched to you, then you have to make a choice. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sibling or a close friend, parent or grandparent. The shock of such a loss shakes you to the core! The fullness in your heart, the rush of adrenaline to the brain and the flood of emotions. The temporary loss of rational thought.
It is the most uncomfortable feeling you will ever feel, until you have to do it again. Then there is that time you say to yourself that they are in a better place. Their suffering has ended, and we are comforted by that. Then our journey of acceptance begins as we try to carry on, we are left with an abundance of cherished memories, lessons, laughter and love. Moving forward the road will be bumpy. A scent, a sound, a laugh, a restaurant, a shirt will take you back to a time and place. Some may laugh and some may cry, but that person lives inside you forever. So, happiness lies in the fact that NOBODY can take that away from you. Thanks Mom!!
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