Virginia Angelica “Maple” Gunn-Marcellin, fondly known as Maple, peacefully passed away on June 8, 2023 at the age of 87 in Brooklyn, NY. Virginia was born in San Nicolas, Aruba on May 27,1936 to the late Adolphus Rudolph Gunn and Nathalie Eugenie Laveist Gunn.

At a very early age she moved with her grandmother to Trinidad. She returned to Aruba at the age of 18 where she unknowingly worked for her future father-in-law, Barrington Marcellin. Maple emigrated to the United States with her mother and siblings at the age of 20, where she met and married Barrington’s only son, the late John Neville Marcellin on February 10, 1957. Maple raised (5) children yet craved her independence, so she sneaked out to work a part time job at TSS Department Store for (2) years before her husband caught on. That’s how she funded her passion projects–sewing, travel to St. Maarten, etc. Virginia eventually worked in food service full time at Beekman Downtown Hospital for 27 years, meeting and working with lifelong friends until retiring in 2000.

She was a woman of many talents and interests receiving certificates in food preparation, nutrition, culinary design, floral arrangement, drapery and design. She had a deep passion for sewing. In fact, she’d design and sew high fashion outfits for her (3) daughters to show-off and for her, very often, it would all be done today for tonight. Virginia also loved to cook (especially making her award winning pepper sauce) and entertaining friends. She shared her home and heart with those who entered, always in a positive manner with compassion, love, and laughter. Her doors were always open. She hosted many others migrating to the U.S. from the West Indies including the likes of Sparrow, Rose, Mano Marcellin and Joey Lewis Orchestras’. She assisted many who showed up at her home on Miller Ave in need. She’d never let anyone go hungry or without a place to stay.

Virginia enjoyed solace and fellowship as a member of Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 1989 until it's remission and a full recovery in 1990. Maple lived a full and gratifying life until a major stroke in Dec. 2017 left her debilitated, speechless and bedridden until her passing on June 8, 2023. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and genorosity.

Maple’s legacy will live on through her daughters and sons: Barbarann R. Marcellin, Joanne M. Marcellin-Hanley, Lorraine A. Marcellin, Curt M. Marcellin, and Neville F. Marcellin; beloved nieces Quanette Gunn, Sandy Fields-Beaubuthuy and Edna Fields-Smith; In-laws: Theodore and Myra-Sharon; grandchildren: Bryan (& Melanie) Hanley, Nathalia Cabot, Elisse Hanley, Nathaniel Marcellin, C. Michael (& Danisha) Marcellin, Christian Hanley, Zuri Marcellin, Neville C. Marcellin (Tre), Sahrah Marcellin, Siannah Marcellin and Corrie Marcellin (hon. Jerome & Eric); great grandchildren: Amirah, Zoey, Bazil, Allure, Trent, Hunter, Zadie, Tylor, Marcus, Mason and Noel; along with the Ramirez’ and other close relatives and friends. May she now rest, in the hands of the Lord with loved ones.

In honor of Maple's vibrant spirit and the joy she brought into our lives, we have organized a series of events to commemorate her life with love and appreciation:

Thursday, June 15, 2023:

Viewing: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Funeral Service Mass: 7:00 PM

Location: Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church

Address: 1669 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213

During this celebration, we will come together to share stories, laughter, and heartfelt tributes that reflect the joy Maple brought into our lives. Let us remember the moments of happiness shared and the lessons learned from her remarkable journey.

Refreshments will be served at the church following the funeral service. It will be a time for us to gather for a short time (9 PM end-time) to continue celebrating Maple's life, sharing cherished memories, and finding solace in each other's presence.

Friday, June 16, 2023:

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Final Viewing & Tributes

Location: Gaurino's Funeral Home

Address: 9222 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213

During the final viewing, we invite you to share your heartfelt tributes and pay your respects to our dear Maple. It will be a time to reflect on the incredible impact she had on our lives and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Following the final viewing, we will proceed directly to Cypress Hills Cemetery (833 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208) for a beautiful farewell, celebrating the life and spirit of Maple. Following the burial, we will reconvene at the home base for a beautiful repass at 597 Miller Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11207.

We encourage you to join us in celebrating the remarkable life of our beloved Maple. Your presence, love, and support will bring comfort and strength to us all as we honor her memory.

In memory of our beloved Maple, let us come together in celebration, embracing the joy, laughter, and love that defined her life. We will forever carry her spirit in our hearts.

We welcome flowers as well as donations to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and American Stroke Association. Please visit our fundraising pages: 

National Breast Cancer Foundation:https://fundraise.nbcf.org/fundraiser/4768879

American Stroke Association: https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/celebrating-maple

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