J’can diaspora bids farewell to Royal Caribbean Bakery co-founder

TAPPAN, NY:

Over 400 mourners, headed by Vincent HoSang and family, relatives, employees, customers, and friends converged on the First Baptist Church, 456 North Street, White Plains, New York, to celebrate the life of wife, mother, and president of Royal Caribbean Bakery, Jeanette HoSang.

The matriarch of the HoSang family died at her residence on August 30 after a lengthy battle with kidney and heart disease.

Scores of messages, tributes, and letters of condolence from persons including Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, Jamaica’s Ambassador to Washington Audrey Marks, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Mike Lawler, and Consul General of Jamaica to New York Alsion Roach Wilson, remembered Jeanie, as she is affectionately called, as “a remarkable woman whose life embodied the strength and grace of the Jamaican spirit”.

Jeanette, and with her husband Vincent, co-founded the largest global producer of Jamaican-style patties, Caribbean Food Delights, and Royal Caribbean Bakery 46 years ago. Prime Minister Holness paid homage to the couple’s contribution. He remarked: “Together, you accomplished what many have aspired to – building a thriving business in the United States that brought a taste of Jamaica to so many while remaining true to your roots and continuing to serve as true Jamaicans. Your journey and success story reflect not only the fulfilment of your collective ‘American Dream’, but also the enduring connection to your homeland, which you both cherished deeply.”

A registered nurse by profession and an avid tennis player, HoSang was celebrated by many. In his letter to the family, former Prime Minister, P. J. Patterson said: “Jeanette was a paragon of excellence, a visionary entrepreneur, and a beacon of inspiration for the Caribbean diaspora. Her journey from talented student and tennis player in Jamaica to a successful businesswoman in the United States is a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication.”

Consul General of Jamaica Alsion Roach Wilson, in her message read by Community Relations Officer Christopher Benjamin, said: “Her spirit of resilience, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, has left an indelible mark on the business landscape. Mrs. Jeanette HoSang’s life was a beacon of hope and inspiration, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Her employees, in a collective tribute, said: “Her contribution to the foundation of our existence speaks volumes, and she will be deeply missed. From recipes to policies and procedures, she made her mark throughout the length and breadth of the organisation. Lady Jeanette, we are left to carry on but know that your work was not in vain. From all of us, may your soul rest in peace.”

HoSang’s children shared letters of love, saying how they would miss her but would find comfort in fond memories of the quality time spent together as a family, shopping, and preparing home-cooked meals. They all spoke about the many recipes she left behind, including her signature dumpling mix, of which all in attendance received a sample bag. Her husband, Vincent, who tried to hold back tears but could not, remained speechless during the service.

Other tributes came from members of the community, partner organisations: Organization for International Development, Team Jamaica Bickle, and the Mona School of Business and Management.

The funeral was officiated by the Reverend Canon Calvin C. McIntyre, along with assistance from Reverend Noel N. Chin and Reverend Pierre-Andre H. Duvert, PhD. HoSang’s body was laid to rest in her family’s mausoleum at The Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, and the repast was held at Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, New York.

She is survived by husband Vincent and children Damian HoSang (wife Anna), Sabrina HoSang Jordan (husband Sean), Simone HoSang (partner Lance Kehoe), and grandchildren Phoebe, Jasmine, Gunnar, Briana, Penny, Sebastian, Mia, and Joon. Her younger son, Brian HoSang, predeceased her.

She was a beloved sister to Patrick (wife Jantana), Derrick, Arlene (husband Richard), Kevin (wife Lisa), Beverly (late), Barbara (late), Winston (late), and Paulette (late).