EULOGY: Mary-Clare Hurst ‘Multiplied Herself in Others,’ Oswald Thomas Tells Mourners

Oswald Thomas Says Mary-Clare Hurst’s Greatest Contribution Was the People She Served

Dr. Oswald Thomas delivered an emotional and deeply personal eulogy for former senator Mary-Clare Hurst on Tuesday, describing her as a leader whose greatest achievement was not the positions she held but the countless lives she touched, mentored and transformed.

Addressing mourners gathered for Hurst’s official funeral, Thomas reflected on her years of public service, political leadership and personal devotion to family and friends, painting a portrait of a woman whose influence extended far beyond Parliament and party politics.

Thomas said one of Hurst’s defining qualities was her approach to leadership.

“Leadership is not merely about speaking; it’s about listening,” he said. “It is not about authority. It is about influence, and the influence begins with understanding people.”

While many knew Hurst as a former government senator, former Leader of Government Business in the Senate and former general secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Thomas said those accomplishments represented only part of her story.

He spent much of his tribute focusing on the personal relationships that shaped Hurst’s life, beginning with the extraordinary bond she shared with her sister, affectionately known as “Jelly Bean.”

According to Thomas, the two sisters possessed very different personalities. Hurst was adventurous and rebellious, while Jelly Bean was quiet and reserved. Despite those differences, they remained inseparable throughout their lives.

“As children they shared dreams, as adults they shared burdens, and as sisters they shared a love that never wavered until the very end,” Thomas said.

When Hurst’s health deteriorated, Thomas said her sister became her constant source of support, accompanying her on overseas medical trips, attending appointments and remaining at her side during difficult moments.

Even during those challenging periods, Hurst maintained the sense of humour for which she was widely known.

Thomas also highlighted the devotion of Hurst’s niece, Layla, who became one of the central figures in her care.

“Layla became her caregiver, her advocate, her private nurse, her companion, and an unshakable source of strength,” Thomas said.

He recalled that whenever doctors asked questions about Hurst’s medical treatment, she would simply point to Layla, insisting that her niece knew everything about her care. The exchanges often ended in laughter, with Hurst laughing louder than anyone else.

Thomas said Hurst remained determined to live fully despite her illness and had made it clear she intended to fight until the very end.

He also shared stories about her close relationship with her young nephew Takari, whom she affectionately referred to as her “landlord.” The child proudly informed visitors that the house belonged to him, while Hurst dutifully paid her monthly “rent” in the form of candy, meals and small gifts.

The eulogy became particularly emotional when Thomas reflected on the death of his son eight years ago.

He said Hurst stood beside him throughout one of the most painful periods of his life, offering comfort and support when he needed it most.

“When my son died, Mary-Clare left the sitting of the Senate, where she was serving as Leader of Government Business, and travelled to New York to attend his funeral,” Thomas recalled. “She came not because protocol required it, but because love compelled it.”

As he reflected on Hurst’s legacy, Thomas argued that her greatest impact was not tied to political victories, titles or institutions.

“As I reflect on all that Mary-Clare accomplished, I realize that her greatest contribution was not a title she held, an election she influenced, or an institution she served,” he said. “Her greatest contribution was people.”

He credited Hurst with mentoring future leaders and helping create opportunities for others, particularly women entering politics and public life.

Thomas specifically recalled conversations in which Hurst expressed confidence in the individuals she had prepared to continue her work, explaining that she intended to remain available to guide and support them as they grew into leadership positions.

“The true measure of a life is not how many doors open for us,” Thomas said. “The true measure of a life is how many doors remain open because we passed through them.”

According to Thomas, those doors remain open across Antigua and Barbuda because of Hurst’s efforts to create opportunities, build relationships and encourage others to pursue leadership and service.

“She opened opportunities. She created pathways. She built relationships. She expanded possibilities,” he said.

In closing, Thomas urged mourners to honour Hurst’s memory by continuing to serve, encourage and uplift others.

“You did not simply live, you multiplied yourself in others,” he said. “As long as we continue to serve, to build, to encourage and to love as you did, your influence will continue to shape lives long after this day has passed.”

The tribute drew sustained applause as family members, political colleagues and friends remembered a woman whom Thomas described as proof that the most powerful people are not those who seek the spotlight, but those who help others shine.

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