Article Image Alt Text

Peter Symmonds, nephew of the late Dame Olga Patricia Symmonds.

Article Image Alt Text

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaking with the family of the late Dame Olga Patricia Symmonds on arrival at James Street Methodist Church, yesterday.

Article Image Alt Text

The casket bearing the body of the late Dame Olga Patricia Symmonds being carried into James Street Methodist Church for the Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving.

Dame Patricia laid to rest

Dame Olga Patricia Symmonds, renowned educator and Barbados’ first
female Deputy President of the Senate, was laid to rest yesterday.

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving was held at James Street
Methodist Church for Dame Patricia, who passed away on May 27, at the
age of 94.

Dame Patricia was known as one of the greatest ever masters of the
English Language. She spent her career at The St. Michael School,
teaching from 1945 to 1985, and was Principal from 1976 to 1985.
Moreover, she also served at the community level and in politics.

Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, described her friend
as “the distinguished daughter of Barbados whose life has touched so
many in several spheres”.

“Dame Patricia’s every action epitomized graciousness. She was a
strong leader and motivator who was committed to all of her
professional and civic duties and performed them with only one purpose
and outcome – that of excellence.”

Peter Symmonds recalled that his aunt after retirement from teaching
in 1985, continued giving private lessons occasionally, and went on to
write a weekly column in The Barbados Advocate newspaper and three
books.

He also noted her devotion to the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). She
served as BLP General Secretary between 1986 and 1994 and was a
President of the Women’s League. Notably, Dame Patricia was Deputy
Chair of the Commission on Social Justice, Deputy Chair of the
defining National Commission on the Status of Women, and served in the
Senate for 13 years.

Dame Patricia was Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society; President
of the Friends of St. John Ambulance Brigade, of which she was also a
member; and was a member of the National Trust, Barbados Family
Planning Association, among others. Symmonds also shared that her
range of interest even included sports and a love of music, playing
the piano by air.

“She has left an outstanding legacy and has helped to shape the lives
of persons in Barbados,” he expressed.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000