Theodora M. Walters

Theodora Mavis Matilda Israel-Walters, affectionately known as “Mama,” “Teddy,” “Grandma,” “Auntie Mavis,” “Auntie Mattie,” “Auntie Clattie,” was born on the island of Jamaica in the parish of St. Ann, township of Bensonton.

Theodora Walters was the seventh of the eight children of the union between William and Matilda Israel.

Mama grew up in a lovely supporting family of cultivators. While her father, brothers, and uncles “worked the family’s grounds,” planting the season’s crops at McDowell and Patoe Gully, she and her sister, Dart, were sharpening their culinary skills with the other female members of the family in their kitchens.

Mama relocated to Kingston in her early twenties where she worked as a domestic, factory worker at Food Technology Inc., dressmaker, and cook. As a true Jamaican she clearly lived up to maintaining more than three jobs.

Mama was an outstanding cook. She was frequently sought out to prepare her delicious Curried Goat Dish and Goat Head Mannish Water Soup for the local Saturday night dance parties.

In June of 1964, Mama was the first of her seven siblings to immigrate to the United States of America seeking to improve the quality of life for her extended family and four daughters de facto changing her status as the Israel’s family matriarch.

Theodora made it her life’s mission to be of service to all who crossed her path. Her greatest investment was in her family either through feeding, clothing, housing, or most of all, sponsoring numerous family members toimmigrate to the USA who were also seeking to improve the quality of life for their families.

Mama’s thirty years of retirement from Mount Vernon’s Hospital Housekeeping department was well-earned. She spent those years surrounded and loved by her “Clan” of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

She visited families, cooked, and entertained in her home, traveled to her homeland of Jamaica, but most of all, laughed, danced, cried, and lived her blessed 103 years to the fullest surrounded by her loved ones.

Today, we CELEBRATE Theodora Israel-Walter’s life. Shared memories and the love she had for her family and friends, both here and in Jamaica.

Love you, Mama. Be at peace.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.