Beloved ‘Tanty Lucy’ dies at 94

Lucy Miguel, who for years had made her home a safe haven for dozens of children, will be laid to rest next week.

Described as a guiding light to many persons, but particularly children, Miguel, more popularly known as ‘Tanty Lucy’, died on Saturday, May 26 at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

She was 94 years old.

In 2004, Miguel, from Stinking Hole, Freeland, Mesopotamia, gained national and regional attention when she was recognized by the First Caribbean International Bank Unsung Heroes programme as a person who impacted on the community by providing safety, education and moulding to over 25 children. She also provided a much needed level of comfort to parents who left their children with her when they were forced to live apart from them.

The story began while Miguel worked as a shop assistant and a single mother and took the responsibility of looking after an 18-month-old baby boy whose parents had more or less abandoned him. In an interview in 2004, Miguel recalled that the boy’s guardian at the time had said that she was going to run an errand and never returned.

The story goes on to say that a terminally ill lady who had heard of the good job Tanty Lucy was doing with the first child requested that Tanty Lucy help her take care of two boys. Hence, Tanty Lucy’s home became known as a safe haven for children.

For decades, Miguel’s home became known as the place to leave your child for a day, week or a year. She however never relied on the parents to provide support, but her efforts were out of the love and affection she had and displayed for children.

A number of individuals who came under Tanty Lucy’s care achieved tertiary level education and successful careers both locally and abroad.

Her philosophy was that although her house was only a simple dwelling, a heart of gold awaited those who came.

Her funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 9 at the St John’s Roman Catholic Church in Mesopotamia.