Note of Gratitude

On behalf of the Christian family and the community touched by the life of Alberta Christian, we extend our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of condolences and comforting words following her passing on February 4, 2025. Your heartfelt expressions from the people of Dominica, both at home and abroad, and the Caribbean community in the Washington, DC area, have provided immense solace during this time of loss.

We honor Alberta's remarkable contributions as a World War II 4H Club leader in St. Joseph, her pivotal role in organizing the St. Joseph Government School Victory Garden, and her early involvement with the Dominica Branch of the British Red Cross. Her dedication as a nurse at St. Lukes Mental Home and Princess Margaret Hospital, and her advocacy for the disabled as the pioneering Director of the Dominica Workshop for the Blind, showcased her unwavering commitment to public service. Her compassion extended beyond borders, reflected in the love reciprocated by ordinary American citizens, mirroring her affection for her neighbors in Maryland, her faith community at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Largo, Maryland and her Dominican and Caribbean kin.

We express our heartfelt thanks to the Christian and John Baptiste families of Dominica, the community of St. Joseph, former workers, and appreciative children of the Dominica Workshop for the Blind, who remember Alberta as a nurturing mother figure. Our gratitude extends to the visionary Government of Edward Oliver LeBlanc and the then Director of the Government of Dominica Social Welfare Department, Henckell Lochinvar Christian, for their foundational support, as well as the Dominica Lions Club, spearheaded by individuals like George Gabriel and Hanna Raffoul, and the Dominica Rotary Club led by Major Earl Johnson. We pay tribute to the administration of Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles for recognizing the outstanding public service of our mother when it bestowed upon her the Meritorious Service Award Medal in 1982.

We are grateful to entrepreneurs like Oliver J. Seraphin, patrons of St. Gerard’s Hall and Goodwill Parish Hall concerts, and the supportive Dominicans who believed in the Workshop’s vision, fostering an environment of empowerment rather than dependency.

Furthermore, we acknowledge and extend gratitude to Judge Irving W. Andre, Florisca Carter Joseph, Simeon Joseph, Sheridan Gregoire and the Q95 Radio staff, Von Martin of the Caribbeana Program of 89.3 FM Pacifica Radio Washington DC, the children and relatives of the Dominica Workshop for the Blind pioneers such Eralene Bastien, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, The Maryland Governor's Commission on Caribbean Affairs and its leadership under Ambassador Curtis Ward, the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and its Sodality circle, Rebuild Dominica, the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, the Colbert Law Firm, the Elira Law Firm, the members of staff of www.marylandattorneyatlaw.com, the Dominican community in metro Washington, D.C, and Aisha Braveboy, Esquire, the office of the States Attorney of Prince George's County, for honoring Alberta Christian. We also express our thanks to the doctors and nurses at Crescent City Nursing Home for their provision of medical care to our mother in her final days.

In her memory, we call upon everyone to commit to voluntary service and civic duty, exemplifying the principles of democracy, equality of opportunity, inclusion, and dedication to the advancement of the marginalized, values that Alberta cherished deeply. May we all strive to be worthy of the legacy she has left behind, embodying her spirit of sacrifice and service for the common good.

Thank you for being part of celebrating a life so well-lived.

With sincere gratitude,

The Christian Family