Popular music teacher laid to rest

In the eulogy at La Chapelle’s funeral service at St Finbar’s RC Church, Diego Martin, yesterday morning, her sister, dancer/ choreographer Carol La Chapelle and son Reginald Wise, remembered her as a lover of people who had established many enduring childhood friendships and had touched many lives in her 59 years.

“How do we say farewell to one so loved: this mother, sister, teacher and friend?” La Chapelle asked. “It’s tragic, certainly, that we could not keep her with us and at age 59, we reluctantly release her, ask God’s mercy on her soul and know that she will never be forgotten for her contribution and impact on so many lives; on those of her students, her friends, her family and her country.”

La Chapelle’s funeral was attended by many friends and past students, including students of Sacred Heart Girls’ School. Also in attendance were musicologists Dr Patricia Dardaine-Ragguet and Pat Bishop, leader of the Lydians Choir, musician Enrique Ali and former finance minister Selby Wilson.

During the recessional at the end of the service, Treasure la Chapelle was given a final send off in the form of the music she loved so much. The Lydians performed a stunning rendition of “The Hallelujah Chorus” accompanied by African drums.