Eleanor "Kay" Celestine

Eleanor Celestine, lovingly known as Kay, went to live with the Lord on June 21, 2024, at the age of 79. She was born on May 19, 1945, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to the late Wilfred Schulere and Evelyn Simeron. After relocating to New York City in the 1980s, she became the proud wife of Christopher Celestine for over 38 years.  

Her strong faith in God and deep love for her family brought her great solace and inspiration. Eleanor was a devoted member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 15 years, before relocating to Silver Spring, MD. She would always remind her loved ones to live by one of her favorite Psalms 116:1-2:  

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” 

 Eleanor’s deep passion for culture and diversity led her to expand her horizons. Throughout her life, she left her home in Trinidad and moved to Venezuela, where she immersed herself in the culture, becoming fluent in Spanish. Eventually, Eleanor set roots in New York City. She had a deep passion for cooking and always looked for ways to diversify her palate, indulging in Caribbean, Italian, and Asian cuisine. Her culinary passions deeply influenced those closest to her.  

Eleanor found joy in simple pleasures, like watching her favorite soap operas. To know Eleanor is to know she loved “The Young & the Restless,” “Days of Our Lives,” “The Bold & the Beautiful,” and African movies/TV shows.  

No matter where life led her, she always reminded those around her of her deep-rooted connections to Trinidad and Tobago.  

Eleanor held a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry, where she made a positive impact on the lives of those she cared for. Her compassionate nature and forgiving heart were evident in her willingness to help others in need.  

She is survived by her loving husband, Christopher Celestine, with whom she was married for 38 years. She was a proud mother to her sons Justin Celestine, Shelford Kirton, and the late Elmaliki Ben Shabrazz. Eleanor also leaves behind her beloved sister, Rosina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Ben and her siblings Hector, Maurice, Lorna, Anthony, Junior, Richard, and Ann-Nell.  

Eleanor’s legacy will be remembered through her unwavering faith, kindness, and commitment to helping others. Her mantra, “Leave everything in the hands of the Lord,” serves as a reminder of her trust in a higher power.  

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Eleanor’s life and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations.