Home The News Winsam Harley Chin celebrates her 80th Birthday at the Hilton Realto in Melbourne

Winsam Harley Chin celebrates her 80th Birthday at the Hilton Realto in Melbourne

Sunday, 05 August 2007

Winsam Harley Chin and a family member at the Hilton Realto in Melbourne From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Montreal, Canada; family and friends joined together June 2nd to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Winsam Harley Chin at the Hilton Realto in Melbourne.  Not only was it a night of birthday celebration, but a talent show of entertainment, live music, and interpretive dance emerged from the diverse and dynamic members of Winsam’s family. See more Photos..  Audience members erupted in laughter as guests passed around the microphone reminiscing stories of how they met Winsam.  Solo vocalists belted out powerful songs, as well as an interpretive dance, spiraling with emotion and drama, performed by one of Winsam’s granddaughters that captured everyone’s attention.  It was obvious the love and gratitude for Winsam was shared and expressed by all who referred to her rarely as Winsam, but more often as “mom, ma, grandma, great-grandma, and sissy” as well as sincere, kind, loving, matchmaker and a life-long friend. Winsam was born in Cuba in 1927, raised in Jamaica until she moved to New York City from Kingston at the age of twenty seven to pursue her profession as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Winsam held two jobs for approximately twelve years while raising her children mostly as a single parent.  Winsam had three children: Lucien (also known as Roger) who has passed on, Carol Watson, who also is a nurse, and Wentworth Watson now living in Connecticut, also known as Junior.  One of Winsam’s most cherished memories of nursing was seeing someone recover after being sick.  “I was very tender to all my patients.  I made sure they were always comfortable.  I just loved it,” recalls Winsam.  Not only did Winsam nurse her patients with all her love, but also her family members and friends as she kept her doors to her home open to anybody in need.  Winsam also has a life-long love for traveling and cruises to various places around the world, Japan being her favorite destination, and last month made a visit back to Jamaica.  Although Winsam has memories and loved ones all over the world, “I just love Florida,” she states.  Winsam is not only active in the lives of her friends and family, but participates in various organizations.  She is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Golden Tones, the Palm Bay Senior Center and the Episcopal Church of our Savior. Throughout the evening a photo slideshow played re-creating the memories and events marking various milestones in Winsam’s life accompanied by a soundtrack with songs appropriate to Winsam such as, “My Hero,” “My Heart Will Go On,” and “Wind Beneath my Wings.”  The evening was finished by birthday songs, dancing, and enjoying the company of one another.  “Just be happy, do not let anything bother you and praise the Lord.” –Winsam Harley Chin

Last Updated ( Monday, 06 August 2007 )

 

Next >