The family of Eglah Natalie Marsh-Clendinen sadly announces her passing on Dec. 29, 2023.
“Eggie,“ as she was affectionately known, was a true native (born and raised) St. Johnian. She was employed with the St. Thomas-St. John Department of Sports Parks and Recreation for 20-plus years until retirement at age 50.
She had an infectious smile that lit up anywhere she graced her presence. A gentle, loving spirit with inner and outer beauty, who enjoyed giving her best to anyone without any expectations. She was a woman of God and passionate for making her garden a little piece of “heaven” here on Earth. With flowers and fruits galore, her garden brought her and many islanders much pleasure.
When not in church or her garden, you could find Eggie fishing around the rocks with her pals — Lillie, Hilda and Lavern — traveling the world via cruise or enticing the Spring Garden neighborhood with her legendary culinary skills. We will miss you beyond words but celebrate the amazing woman we were blessed to know and love.
Eglah was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Clendinen-Chinnery.
She is survived by her daughters: Jacquelyn D. Clendinen and Celia Clendinen Tonge; sons: Vincent “Mellie” Clendinen Jr., Wayne, Gary and Ernie Clendinen; brother: Kenneth Marsh Sr.; and sisters-in-law: Aileen, Madline and Margaret Marsh.
She is also survived by grandchildren: Kessa and Kaseem George, Shena George-Essanasson, Tiombe Chinnery Cunningham, Sokotto and Camal Clendinen, Abia Jones, Lareesa Williams, Delani, Anwar, Jordan, Lili Clendinen, Kristin Clendinen-Robbins and Christina Maynard Clendinen, Iesha Rabsatt-Costanzo, Shurna and Tia Rabsatt, Sophia and Jacqueline Clendinen, April Clendinen-Pemberton, Tehi, Saihinlly, Fischelle, Maechan, Tyrah, Imri, Narene Tonge and Liyah Tonge-Whitfield, Jamal, Aysha, Ciena Clendinen and Mirisa Clendinen-Richardson.
Other survivors include 63 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; godchildren: Vernele S.Delagarde, Voncelle Anthony, Claudine Scatliffe, Tasia Brathwaite-Lake, Cassandra Mathurin Charles, Raquisha Edwards and Raquida Edwards Brumble: and special friends to the end: Hilda Anthony, Merle Matthias and Geneva Paris.
The first viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. A second viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at Cruz Bay Calvary Baptist Church. Interment will be at Calabash Boom Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
Special thanks to Assisting Caregiver Annette La Croix, The Continuum Care Staff, Calvary Baptist Church Family, the PCMI Family, The St. John St. Ursula Senior Center, The Human Services Caregivers Program/Meals on Wheels and Dr. Weische.
