sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, at the age of 96 after a beautifully
lived life. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born in Steer Town, Jamaica, Aberdean graduated from Camperdown High School - Kingston,
where she was a standout player on its netball team
She and her husband Lenny, emigrated to England in 1955 as proud members of the "Windrush"
generation. These were people from the Caribbean, who went to England to help rebuild its
infrastructure and economy at the end of World War II. There she completed nursing school and
went on to study midwifery. She personally delivered hundreds of young British "babyboomers"
often getting to the mothers by riding her bicycle through London traffic, sometimes in
extremely wintry conditions. She excelled at her job, and with additional training, was promoted
to Matron of a leading hospital in London.
After fourteen years in England, the family emigrated to the United States. She quickly passed
the NJ State Board Nursing Exam (scoring a perfect 100%, not ever taking a multiple-choice
exam before), and established herself as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Montclair
Community Hospital then moved on to be the Charge Nurse at two nursing homes (at the same
time) in East Orange. She did all this while successfully raising a family of three teenagers plus
whomever happened to need a place to stay at the time. She was tireless in the pursuit of
providing for, and making those in her household happy and comfortable.
It has to be acknowledged that Aunt Dell was responsible for helping dozens of family members
and friends to get their professional lives started in both England and the United States. All were
welcomed and provided for, (for as long as it took) for them to establish themselves and were
able to go out on their own to practice their chosen professions. The “graduates” from Aunt
Dell’s home includes a grateful group of successful and accomplished engineers, doctors, nurses,
attorneys, truckdrivers, and so many more; she was never an” empty-nester” as long as she
owned a home.
Aberdean will be forever loved and missed by her children, George (Janette) and Milton, also
grandsons Greg (Canice), Gary, Jules (Christopher) and granddaughters Monique (Dom), Gillian
and (Nicola), also great granddaughters Mackenzie, Madison, Zoe, Rowen, Iris, Eliza, and
Logan; brother, Kenneth and sisters Cynthia and Patricia Elaine; aunt Teany (100) and many
nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, and family and friends.
Aberdean was preceded in death by her husband Lenion, daughter Doreen; grandson, Geoffrey;
sisters, Doreen and Patricia and; brothers Spank, Barron/“Jackie”, and Donavan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be announced at a later date.
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