Obituary of Ida May Singh

The bold and beautiful Ida May Singh passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved
ones on June 1, 2023. She returned home to be with the Lord on her 98 th birthday, after a long
and eventful life. Ida was born in St. James, Montego Bay in Jamaica, West Indies to Hubert
Cunningham and Rhoda McIntosh. She was the eldest daughter and 4 th -born child of 9 siblings,
whom she had a close relationship with. In 1962, she immigrated to the United States, where she
lived an adventurous, fiery life filled with laughter, love, and great memories. She was a master
seamstress, who was able to replicate any fashion style with great ease and skill. She took
immense joy in celebrations because she loved to dance and sing. Oftentimes, you would hear
Ida before you see her, because she was always singing. She had an inviting presence, and loved
all types of music, cultures, foods and people equally. Ida loved to entertain and congregate with
others, and she was often referred to as “the hostess with the most-ess”. She felt her best when
telling a good joke over a glass of blackberry brandy, sharing her wicked sense of humor with
others. In addition to singing and party-hosting, traveling was one of Ida’s passions, and she
faithfully added stamps to her passport and explored the world.
For many years she worked as a cosmetologist and seamstress, but her last job was at Workmen’s
Circle Home for the Aged in the Bronx, where she was a nurse’s aide. When she retired, Ida
moved to Poinciana, Florida, as she always wanted to be by a beach, where the air was warm,
and the breeze salty. In Florida, she was active in the Catholic Church, where she sang in the
choir and participated in all of the Ladies’ Club fashion shows and fundraisers. Later in life, she
was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved to Poughkeepsie, NY to live with her eldest
daughter Charmaine and her family, who took excellent care of her until her passing. Even in
sickness, Ida remained full of spunk and spirit, remaining true to her fervent personality.
In Heaven, Ida has reunited with her parents, 6 of her siblings, and her grandson David
Drummond, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her two daughters, Charmaine
Taliaferro and Carron Staple, her two sons-in-law, Vincent Taliaferro and Oliver (Bunny) Staple;
8 grandchildren, Christopher Taliaferro, Sasha Taliaferro, Lauren Taliaferro, Christina
Drummond, Andrew Staple, Juliette Staple, Tomasine Oliphant, and Tivon Pyle; her 6 great-
grandchildren, Isabella, Preston, Maya, Noah, Zuri, and Penelope; her brother Evard Fraser and
her sister Parnel Archambeau; her niece Angela Melendez, nephews Anthony Archambeau and
Juan Melendez, goddaughter Tecora Munger-Burgess, and a multitude of friends and family from
all over Jamaica to the US to Canada.
We would like to thank everyone who has come by, called, and sent their regards at this difficult
time. Additionally, we send a thousand thanks to Optum Health and Hudson Valley Hospice for
their superb care and support during the final stage & transition of Ida’s life – we could not have
done it without you! We also send gratitude to Ryan & Timothy of Timothy P. Doyle Funeral
Home for their compassion and efficiency. As we mourn Ida’s passing, we must also remember
to smile and celebrate her, because she lived her life fully, with no regrets. This is not goodbye,
but see you later – she may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Ida’s memorial service will be held this Saturday June 10th, 2023, at the Doyle Funeral Home in
Poughkeepsie, NY. Immediately following the service, the celebratory gathering will continue at
the River Station Restaurant, located at 1 N. Water St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, for food,

drinks, and laughs. Any condolences, gifts, or flower arrangements can be sent to Doyle Funeral
Home, located at 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

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