Tessa Veronica Emmanuel

January 24, 2021

A famous writer once wrote “We make a living by what we get, (but) we make a life by what we give”. If that is true, then Tessa Veronica (Hamlin) Emmanuel made a great life. She was the most giving person we’ve ever known. Tessa was born on a sunny Thursday, May 8th 1952 in Berbice, Guyana to Effie and Alfred .She was fourth born of the six beautiful daughters. As testament to the loving daughter Tessa was, after her sweet mother passed, she would consistently visit Effie’s grave to engage in lively conversations. With great love and consideration, Tessa’s eldest sister, Pat, helped her migrate from Guyana to the United States in 1971. This move to America brought Tessa immeasurable joy which she constantly expressed. She had many careers and finally retired from the Dietary Department of Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck NJ. There Tessa was known to her co-workers, and patients, as the person “who cared for and befriended everyone” . Tessa married Wilsor Emmanuel in 1973. The loving couple were soon blessed with their first child Karen Heather, followed by their second blessing Wilsor Jacques “Junior”. Tessa was a phenomenal mother to Karen and Junior. She always gave them her all because proving her love and affection to her family was always her first priority. Tessa was a dutiful, faithful and loving wife and just celebrated her 47th wedding anniversary last year. Tessa was a lover of music (Caribbean, Gospel or otherwise), dancing, singing, and word puzzles. Her nightly routine consisted of watching the tv shows Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and 90 day fiancé. She was a great cook and often prepared nightly feasts for her family. She was a woman of God and a faithful, Sunday hat-wearing, first service member of Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ. She loved Pastor Taylor and her Church family. Tessa leaves behind her Sisters- Pat, Faith, Wanda, Rosemary and Althiea , Son in law Neil and her magnificent Grand Children- Khloe Ashley, Bryce Neil, Adam Nathaniel and Asher. Khloe and Bryce will always remember phone calls with her that would always end with “Grandma loves you”. She will always be remembered and adored by: her in-laws Michael, Joseph, Ginette, Yves, Pettes, Josette, Jacques, Gaby and a host of nieces, nephews, great - nieces, great -nephews, cousins, and close friends. To know Tessa was to love Tessa and become an instant family member and forever friend.