Well-known philanthropist, businesswoman has died

NEW YORK:

Daphne Mahoney, a well-known philanthropist, businesswoman and community leader in the New York Jamaican diaspora, died last Tuesday after ailing for some time.

Mahoney is well known for her more than 30 years association with the Mustard Seed Communities, for which she raised funds through an annual luncheon. Up to the time of her death, she was planning this year’s luncheon.

She was born in Kingston, Jamaica, into a family of chefs and restaurateurs, and grew up with an appreciation for entrepreneurship and a passion for feeding the poor.

Mahoney worked with Citibank in Kingston, Jamaica and pursued her career with the bank even after she migrated to New York over 50 years ago. In addition to her administrative duties with the bank, she was actively involved in community causes, including a clothes drive to collect professional wear for young people needing clothes for job interviews. Her generous and giving spirit was legendary among her customers and co-workers.

In 1989, Mahoney, along with a group of friends, opened the Hibiscus restaurant on Manhattan’s east side, bringing Jamaican cuisine to the trendy East Village. She later added another restaurant, Daphne’s Express, and, with a group of investors, opened the famous Bamboo restaurant which was frequented by many celebrities.

Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, expressed sadness at Mahoney’s passing.

“Ms Mahoney was more than a director. She was a champion for Jamaica’s most vulnerable children and families. Her tireless work with Mustard Seed Communities, providing care and support to those in need, resonated deeply with our diaspora and the people of Jamaica as a whole,” said the consul general.

She said that the passing leaves an immense void, but her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched.

“Ms Mahoney embodied the very best of our Jamaican spirit, compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others,” said Wilson.

Irwine Clare described Mahoney as a woman who was purposeful in her commitment to the Mustard Seed family.

“You could not say no to Daphne Mahoney,” he said.

Clare said that she has served the community well and paved the way for many to emulate, as she was the diaspora’s foremost philanthropist.

Derrick Record said that she lived a life of service to others:

“We have lost one who served well and made her mark on the lives of others. I am privileged to have known her and will always remember what gave her joy. May her soul rest in peace and memories of her life give comfort to all those who grieve,” he said.

INFORMAL AMBASSADOR

Excerpts from her bio read: A strong advocate for Jamaican culture, Mahoney built a number of traditions, including an annual Independence dance which she staged for many years. Her restaurant ventures became an anchor for efforts to feed the poor. Not only did the homeless and hungry come in regularly for meals, but during the winter months, she had a huge pot of soup ready on a daily basis to feed the homeless. About 30 years ago she along with a group of friends launched the tradition of an annual Christmas dinner to feed the homeless, the needy and the lonely. This dinner, which has been hosted for each of the last 30 years at Manhattan’s St George’s Episcopal Church, serves a complete Christmas dinner, along with gifts of socks, scarves and gloves to over 200 persons each year. Of course, the figures grew year by year, and, last Christmas in 2023, over 250 persons were fed.

Giving back to her native Jamaica has always been high on her agenda. Over 30 years ago, she joined a group of dedicated Jamaicans to form an organisation called Heartbeats of Jamaica. This organisation was dedicated to raising funds for the poor and disabled children in Jamaica. Mustard Seed Communities was the principal beneficiary of those efforts. A few years later, she decided to focus more closely on Mustard Seed Communities, and formed a group called Friends of Mustard Seed, to continue the work of Heartbeats of Jamaica.

It continues: Daphne served for over a decade on the International Board of Directors of Mustard Seed Communities. She has also served as a board member of the 14th Business Improvement District, and on the Advisory Board of the Washington Irving High School, Hotel and Restaurant Institute.

In addition, she was an informal ambassador for Jamaica. She was a source that people called when they needed help, had a problem or needed information. She was constantly doing research, making telephone calls, calling on her wide network of contacts and intervening on behalf of others.

In April, 2016, The New Rochelle Club, at their 61st Annual Founders Day Luncheon, lauded her with a plaque in appreciation for “Her generous humanitarian Interventions in her Community”.

In October 2020, she received from the Jamaican Government the following:“Order of Distinction – Officer Class” for her outstanding contribution to philanthropy” and “Community Development in the Jamaican Diaspora in the USA”.