Dear Sir,

Please accept the following as a tribute to Martha Ann Dismont.

Praise and thanks to God for the abundant life of Martha Ann Dismont. Those at her memorial service have been a part of that abundant life in her roles as mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, counsellor, confidante, associate, panel member, advocate, colleague or friend.

There are several scriptures that chronicled Martha’s life. The scriptures that stand out for me are Psalms 121; II Timothy 1:7; Matthew 17:20 and Psalm 23.

Martha was totally committed to the nurturing and welfare of Bermuda’s children, our most precious and valuable natural resource. Also that they deserve the best that we have to give to their nurturing and full potential development.

As a result of this commitment, she was able to provide “wrap-around” social services to the children and their families, and established Family Centre.

During the process of liaising with the social services available at present, she discovered that there were gaps and duplications in the services that the children required. This indicated the need to bring together the agencies involved, enabling awareness of duplicated services and the unmet needs of children. This subsequently led to her forming the Inter-Agency Committee with workshops, in-service and collaborations designed to build capacity in the agencies’ ability to deliver appropriate services to youth and their families (best practices).

The Inter-Agency Committee under Martha’s direction identified an advocacy committee to work on the National Children’s Agenda. This document identified eight areas of need for Bermuda’s children that would make a significant difference if they became a part of the Children’s Act.

Martha lived the life and was the prime example documented in the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. Martha was an instrument of peace. Where there was hatred, Martha showed love; where there was injury, she pardoned; where there was doubt, she had faith; where there was despair, Martha showed hope; where there was darkness, she showed light; where there was sadness, she showed joy.

Martha did not seek to be consoled, understood or loved; she consoled, understood and loved others. She was fully aware that it was in giving that we receive; in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Martha came and dwelt among us, enhanced and enriched our lives, and helped us to be the best that we could be. If we emulate her legacy of love, commitment and service, Bermuda would truly be another world for all of us — a better world!

“We must resolve to take up the Cross and go forth with honest hearts to work and watch for wisdom, truth and love”— Mary Baker Eddy (Science and Health/Key to the Scriptures).

Thanks to her family for sharing Martha with all of us.

JULIETTE STEEDE HARRIS

Hamilton Parish