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It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Matriarch, Leona Veronica Ebbesen Bryant. She passed away peacefully at her residency in New Jersey on December 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 96; lovingly surrounded by her family.
As we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Leona Ebbesen Bryant, a truly extraordinary woman whose impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond will be remembered forever.
Born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Leona was a shining example of strength, kindness, and dedication. She maintained her pride, dignity, and love for her family and the Caribbean, especially the U.S. Virgin Islands, throughout her life’s journey. She was and will continue to be an inspiration of strength, joy, dedication, and love.
Leona’s journey was one of resilience and unwavering commitment. She was known for her kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting word. Her love for her family was unparalleled, and she took great pride in nurturing and supporting them through all of life’s challenges and triumphs.
One of Leona’s most cherished experiences was her involvement with the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra. She played a pivotal role from their inception and continuously for over 22 years, helping to bring the vibrant sounds of steel pan music to the forefront of the Virgin Islands' cultural scene. Her passion for music and her dedication to the band inspired many young musicians and contributed to the band’s success and recognition.
Leona’s contributions to her community extended far beyond her musical talents. She was an active participant in numerous local initiatives, always striving to make the U.S. Virgin Islands a better place for all its residents. Her work with the Virgin Islands Community Foundation and other charitable organizations helped to provide essential resources and support to those in need. Her efforts in education, healthcare, and community development have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the Virgin Islands for generations to come.
Leona is survived by her daughters, Angel Bryant Boschulte and Christine HarrisMontanez; her sons-in-law, Louis Boschulte and Nelson Montanez; her grandchildren, Melody Jackson, Joseph Boschulte (Aisha Boschulte), Wanda Moolenaar (Rae Rouse), Janelle
Boschulte (Robert Robinson), Onya Harris, and Jeanna Boschulte; her greatgrandchildren, Dean Aubain, Jr., Deanna Aubain, Deion Aubain, Sr., Jahnya Boschulte Jaeden and Janae Boschulte, Majikai Smith, Jeremy and Jasiah Boschulte, Calvin, Raven, and Ryan Bryant, and Gabriella O’Neill; and her great-great-grandchildren, Deion Aubain, Jr., JeDeiya and JeDaeya Augustin, and Demi Aubain.
She is also survived by her sister Grace Ebbesen-Haagenson; her nieces, Roxanne Wheatley-Wright, Luana Wheatley, Patrice Ebbesen-Harley, Jeannette Ebbesen-Johnson, Erica Haagenson-Rinaldi, and Julie Haagenson, her nephews, Dr. Clayton Wheatley, Maurice Wheatley, and Staff Sgt. Victor Ebbesen, Jr. Many other relatives, including the Vagos, Ebbesen, Bryant, Boschulte, Moolenaar, Wheatley & Haagenson families, also mourn her passing.
Leona’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and service will continue to inspire us all. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that her memory will forever be a guiding light in our lives.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the All Saints Church in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she was a lifelong member. Following the service, there will be a burial at the Western Cemetery, where Leona will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra in her memory