A life so beautifully lived.

Hyacinth Monica Misir

Hyacinth Monica Misir, aged 79, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at her residence in Miami, Florida on July 31st, 2020. She had been fighting a rare and aggressive cancer for the past few years with unbelievable courage and strength — and a tenacious spirit that would inspire anyone.

Affectionally known as Cinth by her close friends and family, she was born on August 27, 1940 in the small rural town of York in the parish of St. Thomas in Jamaica, to Everald and Violet Mcken (née Panno). She was the fourth of five McKen children — Leslie, Linny, Joyce, Hyacinth, and Herma. Her immediate and extended family all stayed remarkably close throughout their lifetimes, despite often living far apart in various cities and countries. The tight bond she shared with her siblings was truly special to her and she admired and loved each of them dearly.

Hyacinth attended various private and public schools in Jamaica (Trinityville, St. George’s and Seaforth Elementary schools) and later attended Kingston Technical College. From an early age she had a keenness for numbers and would impress people with the quickness with which she was able to do math in her head. She was a First Class Girl Guide and had the honor of being selected as the color guard (flag bearer) to represent Jamaica at the World Jamboree in England in 1957. She made the long voyage by sea while only seventeen years old.

At the young age of 11, she began developing her astute business sense by helping out in her mother’s family business — a grocery/general store and tavern on their property in St. Thomas. When Hyacinth moved to Kingston, she worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia on King Street and subsequently worked as a computer programmer for NCR during the days of punch cards. Her entrepreneurial nature led her to start her first business, a women-only gym which offered aerobics classes and other fitness activities. Her next business venture was starting Medical Associates Pharmacy, which she ran with the support of her family. At the conclusion of a +20 year marriage, Hyacinth had the courage and fortitude to start over on her own and she soon secured a job coordinating sales and distribution for the Century Farms brand in the dairy industry. Her last professional endeavor was that of financial controller at Runway Tours and Air Negril, where she had the opportunity to work with two of her sons.

With a fondness for sports, Hyacinth loved to swim, rode horses as a teenager and was a talented netball player. However, it was in the sport of competitive darts where she literally rose to the top of her game. Often the top female dart player in Jamaica in the late 70’s, she won countless trophies over the years in both Jamaica and at the international level — representing her country at tournaments in the United States, the UK and as far as New Zealand. In 1982, she had the distinction of beating the world’s number one female dart player at the time, bringing her international recognition and a national pride that continues to this day. Indeed, as recent as 3 years ago, she was recognized in an article in the Jamaica Gleaner, as “one of the men and women in Jamaica whose performances caused the name of Jamaica to resound around the world in a time of little or no publicity for small countries doing big things and upstaging bigger and more powerful countries.”

Hyacinth was also a fantastic dancer who was always stylishly dressed. She loved cooking and gardening and had a passion for growing the most beautiful orchids. A most gracious host, she loved welcoming people into her home and treated strangers as family, whether at her dining table — or, as often was the case, on her couch enjoying one of her favorite Bollywood movies. She also enjoyed keeping both freshwater and saltwater aquariums throughout her life. Her fish always helped to bring her peace and tranquility during difficult times.

On March 1, 1985, Hyacinth was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She maintained a zealous outlook toward her ministry and demonstrated a strong conviction about her beliefs. Among other things, Hyacinth strongly believed that death does not end it all; and that there is going to be a resurrection into a paradise earth.
She remained a faithful witness until she passed away.

Most of all, Hyacinth loved her family unconditionally and was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren.

Hyacinth faced many challenges in life - health and otherwise. But, no matter what life handed her, she always powered through, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles with drive, grace and humility. She touched so many lives and warmed so many hearts. Hyacinth was loved dearly by her family and friends for her sweet, caring nature and she will be forever in our hearts.

Hyacinth is survived by her loving daughters: Michele Carby and Tara Misir-Chuck; sons: Rugie Misir, Kush Misir and Yogi Misir; grandchildren: Peta-Gaye Carby-Angus, Jonath-Philepe Antonio Chuck, Jon-Pierre Alessandro Chuck, Jon-Phabianne Anikko Chuck, Kristiano David Misir, Sara Rohini Misir; Kahlil Yugeshwar Misir, and Izabel Kaye Misir; brother: Lesley McKen; sisters: Linny Clarke and Herma Mowatt; and her nieces and nephews: Selwyn McKen, Marcia Allen, Tony Clarke, Grace Clarke, Kevin Clarke, Niquette Hunt, Terrye Mowatt, and Stephen Mowatt.