Vanda Leslyn Durrant

Vanda Leslyn Durrant, affectionately known as Leslyn, was born on December 9, 1951, in Lowmans Windward, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to the late Enoch and Ivy Durrant. She was one of twelve siblings: Evy, Alexander (Terrill), Cecil, Clinton, Charles, Merle, Morna, Clemon (deceased), Arnos (deceased), Alson (deceased), and Violet (deceased).

Leslyn attended Lowmans Windward Primary School and became a devoted mother at a young age, giving birth to her only child, Dwight Homer. In pursuit of better opportunities, she left Dwight in the care of her mother, Ivy, and sister, Merle, and moved to Curacao for work.

In 1976, Leslyn relocated to Montreal, Canada, to join her sister Morna. She worked as a domestic helper, first with Mrs. Sherry Jacobs and later with Mrs. Beverly White, who helped sponsor her legal residency in Canada. During this time, Leslyn joined the O’Brien Church of God.

Leslyn’s adventurous spirit took her to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands in 1981, where she worked on Cooper Island at the Beach Club. Her warmth and radiant smile made her beloved by all. She also joined the Pussell Estate New Testament Church of God, where her love for gospel music blossomed into a passion for promoting concerts, especially for her favorite group, the Regenerated Singers.

In 1986, Leslyn returned to Montreal with her son, and not long after, she visited her dear friend Twirley in Boston. She instantly fell in love with the city and made it her permanent home.

While living in Boston, Leslyn became a faithful member of the House of Deliverance Church of God in Dorchester, MA, where she was active in church conventions, missionary work, and fundraising efforts. Known for her meticulous planning, she often called her sister Merle in Brooklyn months ahead to coordinate outfits and preparations.

Her love for promoting gospel concerts continued, and she played a pivotal role in bringing renowned artists such as Evangelist Bridgette Blucher ,Min Paul Anderson, Min Michael Reid , Evangelist Wendy Mitchell and her niece, Lafleur Durrant-Sprott, to perform in Boston.

Professionally, Leslyn worked for many years as a nurse's aide, caring deeply for the families she served, especially “the Professor,” as she fondly referred to one of her longtime clients.

She deeply loved children and was cherished by many for her nurturing spirit and efforts to enrich young lives with joyful experiences. Leslyn was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, love for photography, and passion for preserving memories. She was strong-willed, candid, and deeply committed to living a life of truth and faith.

On April 28, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., surrounded by family and friends, Leslyn peacefully transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her final days were filled with worship, prayer, and communion. On Saturday, April 26, she gathered her strength and said, “Today was a good day. I met Jesus.”

She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son Dwight, daughter-in-law Ruan, and grandchildren Ariel and Cheyenne; her siblings Alexander, Evy, Cecil, Charles, Clinton, Merle, and Morna; her dear niece and friend Tanesia and her daughters Shantilee and Aleshia; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and treasured friends.

Leslyn will be deeply missed, especially by her sisters Merle and Morna, with whom she shared daily conversations and unwavering love. We thank God for her life and the legacy of faith she leaves behind—a legacy passed on from her mother, Ivy Durrant.

Mom. Granny. Les. Auntie Leslyn. Sister. Sis Leslyn—your presence lit up every room, and your love will remain in our hearts forever.

God be with you, until we meet again.