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Happy Birthday, Sarah Darling!

Published:Tuesday | August 2, 2016 | 12:00 AM
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Birthday girls, Sarah Darling-Findlay (left) and her daughter Pamela Findley cut their cake birthday cake at a soiree in honour of the 81-year-old matriarch at the new Mystic Thai restaurant in Montego Bay on Sunday.
Sarah Darling-Findlay dances with her daughter Pamela Findley.
The lady with the melody, Joanna 'J'Yana' Walker performing as part of the Taddy P duo.
Birthday girl and her great-grandchildren, from left front: Dedric Jones, Kevel Ricketts and Nyeem Roach. From left back: Taliyah Roach, Kevanna and Kevin Ricketts.
Birthday girl with her 'adopted daughters', from left: Kathy Reid, Dollis Campbell and Auween Wiggan.
Grace Campbell (left) and her niece Tameka Bryce in a playful mood.
Birthday girl, Sarah Darling-Findlay (third left) pose with her children from L- front row: Wayne Findlay, Dacia Smith (adopted), Shirley Rodgers and Pamela Findley. Back row from left: Yvonne, Lorna Findlay and Grace Campbell.
Birthday girl Sarah Darling-Findlay (fourth left) and her grandchildren from left: Latidra McFarlane, Heather Ricketts, Tameka Bryce, Ashley Aguin, Renea Findlay, Michael McFarlane Jr., and Wayne Findlay Jr. Back row: from left: Jashaun Campbell, Lexford Earle and Javaughn McFarlane. In front, her youngest grand child, Donte Smith.
Ashley Anguin and her better half Leighton Pratt.
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WESTERN BUREAU:

Three generations of the Findlay family paid tribute to their matriarch, Sarah Darling-Findlay at an intimate 81st birthday dinner party in her honour at Montego Bay's newest restaurant, Mystic Thai, last Sunday.

Darling-Findlay, her seven children, host of grand children and great grandchildren, many of whom flew in from Miami, Florida, and Cleveland, Ohio, for the celebration, were fÍted with what is fast becoming the famous beetroot salad, chicken satay, spring roll shrimps, green Thai curry chicken and Thai chilli fish, complemented by a funky reggae party by renowned bass guitarist, Othneil 'Taddy P' Campbell and singer Joanna 'J'yana' Walker.

The woman, who raised several other children she didn't give birth to, was lauded as one whose unhesitatingly makes sacrifices, allowing her children friends refuge in her home.

When her grandson Lexford Earle spoke of her, he said she was a woman who showed him the true meaning of love. "When I was a child and my mom, who was always on the road on assignments, it was my grandmother who took over her role. I was never allowed to be in need, neither for love, food, or attention, because of the dedication that both of my grandparents took in my life."

Family friends, Dollis Campbell, Kathy Reid, and Auween Wiggan all spoke of a matriarch that opened up her home freely, making them always feel welcomed.

Wiggan said when she had her second child, Darling-Findlay nursed and cared for her until she recuperated.

Her adopted daughter, Dacia Smith, said the love that Darling-Findlay showed her, proved it was easy for persons not related by blood to love as deeply as if they were.

"This woman is my other mother and I am proud to say so," she said with pride.

Darling-Findlay shared the spotlight with her daughter Pamela Findley, who was also celebrating a birthday.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com