Hyacinth Lorraine Mitchell

Hyacinth Lorraine Mitchell, known affectionately to her family as “Pia”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the age of 71.

Hyacinth was born on July 11, 1952 to Policeta Gordon in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Hyacinth spent her early childhood and school age years in Kingston, while her mother came to the United States to make a new life for them. She lived with her grandmother Elselena Nattoo, Aunt June (Else’s sister), and Cynthia Vaughan in Kingston where she attended the Richmond Park Preparatory School and spent her days playing with her cousins. Hyacinth was a happy carefree child beloved by all.

Hyacinth was diagnosed with spinal meningitis as a child and fought hard against the virus. Surmounting its resulting effects, Hyacinth went on to lead a fulfilling life. She emigrated to the United States in June 1968 to live with her mother in Bergenfield, New Jersey and was adopted by Dudley Lloyd Gordon Jr., her mother’s husband. By 1970, she was the eldest sister of the family’s three daughters and took that responsibility seriously. She graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1972 and thereafter became a U.S. citizen, one of her proudest moments.

Hyacinth loved to sing! She was a member of the local Camp Fire Girls troop, which is where her love for singing and art was nurtured and flourished. Music was always on her radio, filling the house with sweet melodies.

Her favorite song was Jesus Loves Me and she never missed an opportunity to take a turn of verse. Hyacinth believed deeply in God and was a faithful member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, rarely missing Sunday service. She was also a devoted member of the Christian Overcomers, participating in weekly bible study and attending their annual summer camp conference. Words cannot describe how much she looked forward to, and how happy she was after, attending that week of fellowship.

Hyacinth also had a wonderfully creative side. She developed a passion for liquid embroidery and delighted in making pictures to gift to friends and family at every occasion. And she loved to bowl. Hyacinth was committed to weekly bowling games, often coming home bragging about her strikes and spares. She also loved watching TV game shows and particularly enjoyed guessing the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune. Hyacinth was also truly dedicated to her family.  She lovingly took care of her younger sisters while they were growing up and even babysat her nieces and nephews when they were infants and toddlers -- singing nursery rhymes and children’s songs taught to her by her grandmother.

Hyacinth leaves to cherish her memory: her mother Policeta Gordon; sisters Donna Gordon and Leslie Gordon; brother-in-laws Sabastian Belfon and Carlos DeLaRosa; nephews Charles DeLaRosa, Alexander DeLaRosa and Sabastian Gordon; niece Darian Gordon; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Hyacinth was surpassed in death by her father Dudley Gordon, Jr.

She is remembered for her sweet and loving nature, generous spirit, warm smile, and kind heart to all.

The Visitation and Funeral Service will be live-streamed. To access the stream, please click the link below. 

https://vimeo.com/event/3829899

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