Friends say goodbye to Tracy Betts

On Friday, July 19 at 9.30am, the family and friends of Tracy Debra Betts gathered at Pigeon Island to celebrate her life and mourn the loss of a woman who inspired everyone she met, whether through her energetic lust for life, or her heroic battle with cancer which went on for many years. With waves crashing in the background and a stiff breeze to cool the gathering, close friends Danielle ‘Lulu’ Bergasse and Lauren Foster performed a number of beautiful songs, accompanied by Yannick James on violin; the eulogy was delivered by self-described ‘blood sister and soul mate’ Angi Gustave, who shared readings from Kahlil Gibran and warm, funny memories of Tracy and her indomitable spirit. Reverend Thomas Spiegelberg led the prayers and proceedings.

Although there were many tears, there were just as many smiles and laughs as the gathering remembered their friend, sister and aunt whose passion for cooking, jewellery and clothing design, travel and her beautiful island home were matched by her sense of fun and ability to live every day to its fullest. Her entrepreneurial spirit took her from retailing – she was instrumental in starting one of St Lucia’s first tourism stores ‘Top Banana’ with Al Haman, to designing her Aziza jewels. The range of necklaces and bracelets crafted out of semi precious stones and silver, was featured in May’s St Lucia Hot Couture, although Tracy herself was too ill to attend.

Tracy passed away on July 10, one day after celebrating her 50th birthday. She will be truly missed.