Ida V. Garnett Obituary (1925 - 2021)

Mommom, as we all affectionately knew her, was born in Siparia, Trinidad on September 15th, 1925. Mommom was given the name Ida Bernard by her father, Adama Bernard, and Virginia Ranghel by her mother, Mary Ranghel. Mommom officially took the name Ida Virginia Bernard, being predominantly raised by her father. Mommom was the older of two children born to Adama and Mary; her younger brother Israel Bernard, known to the family as Chiney, preceded her in death. Growing up in Trinidad, Mommom only attended traditional school through the eighth grade. As a child, Mommom loved her sweets. I recall Mommom's stories of her visits to the candy store as a youth. At the time, Mommom would purchase a pound of candy and a can of evaporated milk for a whopping two pennies. That pound of candy would not survive the walk home from school. Mommom took on the responsibility of caretaker for her elderly family members at a very young age. Mommom cared for her aunt and father up until their passing. In her free time, Mommom enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, playing cards and other games. In her early 20s, Mommom met and married Clyde Watson. From this union, four children were born: Marva, who preceded her in death, Hazel, Phillip, known to us as Allen and Angela, known as Cheryl who passed in her early 20s. This was the first of two relationships that resulted in children. Mommom's second relationship was with Hilton Belgrove. Throughout their 18 year relationship, Mommom and Hilton had four children: Paul, now formerly Jamal, Hilton, known to us as Lester, Anthony, called Tony and Petal. Mommom raised her eight children in Trinidad as a stay at home mother until migrating to the United States in 1973 at the age of 48. Mommom was naturalized as a citizen of the United States on June 12th, 1991. In the United States, Mommom applied the lessons of her youth as a caretaker, and became a housekeeper and nanny. Several families and their children were blessed to receive the loving care that is synonymous with Mommom. The last family under Mommom's care was Robert and Amy Jubileer of Abington. Mommom retired at the age of 83. Mommom is still dearly loved by the Jubileer family. They have stayed in contact with Mommom over the years. Mommom met the love of her life, Lee Herman Garnett, in 1976; just three years after migrating to the United States. Mommom married Lee Garnett, affectionately known as Poppop, on May 27th, 1978 taking the name Ida Garnett for the remainder of her life. This union blessed Mommom with two step children: Kenny and Michelle. Mommom recounted that when she asked Poppop "what attracted you to me?" he responded "because you got nice legs!" This playful banter was a constant throughout their loving marriage. They were not only lovers, but the best of friends. In her adult life, as an American citizen, Mommom enjoyed traveling, shopping, playing 500 or "Rummey", and Monopoly. Mommom traveled to many places including Switzerland, Paris, and Alaska to name a few. On the cruise to Alaska, Mommom was accompanied by her friend, Ms. Grace. They enjoyed over a half a century of close friendship. Mommom would impart her wisdom on her family in the form of short sayings that I like to call "Mommomisms" while taking you to school in 500. We have all heard her say "if you think long, you think wrong" or "Bosie mother said eat some and leave some." This competitive side of Mommom was taken to a whole new level when it came time for our annual family Monopoly game. You couldn't cheat her or swindle her in any deal. Mommom would flat out say you were trying to "thief she" or "cheat she" if she thought you were trying to take advantage. Mommom and Poppop lived in the same home on Chew Avenue throughout their entire marriage. The love between Mommom and Poppop reverberated through their home. Their home acted as home base and a safe place for the entire family. Mommom is survived by her Husband Lee, eight children: Hazel, Allen, Paul, Lester, Tony, Petal, Kenny, Michele and their spouses; 33 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, her oldest niece, Anita Collins and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.