On the evening of March 23rd, 2023 Sylvia “Mum” Belfon completed her earthly journey, peacefully and prayed up in Orlando, Florida at the age of 93.

Sylvia Belfon was born in the country side of Bichè, in East Trinidad and Tobago on January 18th, 1930 to Hilda De Leon. Growing up in the country side with her beloved grandmother of Martinquè, Ma Gordon, a young Sylvia learned to speak French- Creole fluently and was equipped with a remarkable set of skills. Sylvia was a focused woman- all about elevation and seeking out the very best that this life had to offer, and that is exactly what she did. Being a woman who constantly sought out advancement, she moved herself to the city of Sangre Grande along with her three young boys and later on to Moruga. This idea of being a hard-working independent, single mother did not exist during her time. It was typical for mothers to stay home with the children while their husband worked. Needless to say, that had never been the case for Ms. Sylvia. One thing about money making Sylvia, she worked until she physically couldn’t anymore. Her work life included positions at Scotia bank in Trinidad, a cook, a nanny, and selling goods every night by the local market and the popular Ascot Theatre. While she bagged goods, bottled Mauby and secured her cash, she kept her sons Calvin and Luchus very close, instilling in them at a young age the value and importance of hard work and dedication. Sylvia overcame many obstacles and hardships during these times, yet she persevered through it all ,eventually building a beautiful “upstairs tall house” for her family. After her son Calvin migrated to the United States and began his family, Sylvia courageously took a leap of faith, closed her life’s chapter in Trinidad, and settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. She thrived in this new country, a place she knew nothing about, culture shocked and all. She joined and became a proud member and Mother of Greater Love Tabernacle all of her last working days were spent at her favorite place in the world, Greater Love Tabernacle. She loved and adored her church family deeply, Lady D and Bishop Dickerson.

Sylvia’s truest love, enjoyment, acts of service and paying it forward was cooking and feeding people no matter what. Everyone had to eat. Sylvia lived in the kitchen, her favorites were tea plenty sugar, Dasheen and Saltfish, Roti and everything curried. She was a master chef, self taught and noted for her “sweet hand” ; often making bread, ice cream, wine and cakes from scratch. She prepared her meals with love in the kitchen, no one was ever hungry.

Sylvia lived a full, fit, stylish, God fearing, righteous, happy life. Although Sylvia was the loving biological mother of three boy children, Dennis, Calvin and Luchus, she was a surrogate mother to many; staying as a baby sitter for dozens of children who needed care, she did it so well. Sylvia was an exceptional mother and grandmother. She cared deeply for her family, neighbors, and friends. She did none of these things out of obligation but out of the kindness of heart. She was the first to offer help, to de-escalate any situation and always push for peace to reign. Sylvia was never one for loud noises, arguments or confusion. Although she was tiny, she possessed the courage, strength and confidence of a fierce giant. “Peace be with you”, “Hush your mouth”, “Don’t study that”, “Ah Beg Pardon”, “My Doo-Doo Dahlin”, “and “Be still” “Ah want a tablets” were some of her repetitive sayings that will truly be missed in the halls of 34 Moultrie Street. Also, her screw face and turned lips when she wasn’t the happiest. Everyone loved Sylvia.

Sylvia was charismatic, popular, witty, faithful, brilliant, sassy, stylish, honest and was a true whinning queen, she loved to dance and dingolay. She spent a significant amount of time helping raise her grandchildren, never missing out on football games or dance recitals. She was extra proud of her sons and grandchildren, the biggest cheerleader for her family.

While Sylvias family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember Sylvia in a way that honors her vibrant spirit and soul. Sylvia is survived by her sons Calvin, Luchus, Daughter-in-law Elizabeth, Grand children Robert, Reneè, Calvin Jr., Chris, Cassandra, Azah, Arantez, Kerwin Jr. Kern, Myracle, three Great Grand children Anessa, Aubree and Santè, Niece Julie, Lovie, Nephews Glen, Neal, Lucas, and Kerwin Guerra. Deceased Son Dennis and Nephew Lincoln.

Visitation will be held at Greater Love Tabernacle Church, 101 Nightingale Street, Dorchester on Saturday April 1st from 10-11AM. The Funeral Service will begin at 11AM. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.