Anguilla is in mourning following the passing of “vibrant and joyous” Angela Brooks-Cornell this week, with tributes pouring in from across the community honouring her life and impact.
The much-loved resident of The Valley was well-known for her involvement in youth, community and cultural activities and for her passion in ensuring the success of the events.
From carnival shows to parade of troupes, softball to football, community socials to fundraisers, she could be found volunteering her time and making her contribution.
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“With a heart as big as her bark, and a bite that was fairly toothless, we could do no less than to love her – always and forever,” the Department of Youth and Culture (DYC) wrote in an online tribute.
“The team at the DYC joins the Anguillian community in mourning the loss of our beloved Angela ‘Gela’ Brooks-Cornell.
“She was a fixture in our lives, known best to us for her fierce and passionate ‘ownership’ of the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, where she served as the custodian and cleaner for many decades.”
The DYC said she cried when the old facility was demolished in 2024 but was optimistic that when the new building was completed, she would have it to love and care for, in the same way that she did before.
“But alas. That was not to be. We shared in her struggle against illness. We prayed and hoped. We encouraged and cajoled when, occasionally, her spirits dipped. Then we prayed some more.
“She fought a good fight and now we must let her go. Rest in peace, Gela. May the memories of her larger-than-life personality comfort all who mourn at this very difficult time.”
Brooks-Cornell had been involved in sports for several decades, and was a mother-figure, mentor and track and field coach to the children in her community and in particular the Valley Primary School.
She had been instrumental in leading the Valley Primary School’s Golden Horses to victory in the Inter-Primary Schools Athletics Competition for almost two decades.
The principal and staff of Valley Primary School called her “the backbone of our school community, a source of strength and inspiration for both students and staff”.
“Coach Angela fought a good fight, and her spirit and dedication will forever remain a part of Valley Primary School,” they said in a heartfelt tribute.
“We ask that you keep her family, friends and our school community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.”
The Anguilla Football Association (AFA) also expressed sadness at the loss of ‘Coach Angela’ – a cherished member of the football family whose “love for the game was unwavering”.
“She gave her time, energy, and heart to football at every level, whether supporting our youngest players in the primary schools, guiding our seniors, or lending her voice of encouragement from the sidelines.
“Her passion was contagious, and her presence could always be felt.”
The AFA said that as a dedicated member of Attackers FC, she played a vital role in the club and remained committed throughout the years.
“Beyond the club, her impact stretched across the national stage, where her unmistakable voice and strong presence were a fixture at matches,” AFA’s tribute added.
“Coach Angela leaves behind a legacy of service, commitment, and love for the sport. She touched countless lives and inspired many both on and off the field.”
Joining her family in North Side, The Valley and the entire Anguillian community in mourning her passing this week was the Ebenezer Methodist Church.
“We give thanks for her vibrant and joyous spirit, and for her unwavering love of family, community and country. May the peace of God comfort our hearts,” the church wrote.
The Anguilla Youth Business Foundation extended heartfelt condolences to all those dear to Brooks-Cornell, especially family and friends.
“Her legacy of hard work and great humour will forever be in our hearts! A sweet soul that we will forever miss,” the foundation said a short online tribute.
Brooks-Cornell had been a cherished member of the Eyes Wide Shut family for several years and the entertainment team said in a tribute that her absence will be deeply felt.
“She will always be remembered for the love, respect and compassion she showed not only to us as an organisation, but to the wider Anguilla community, especially its youth.
“Angela, you will forever be missed, never forgotten and always loved. Rest well and love always.”
Digital content creator Mervin Hanley described Brooks-Cornell in his own touching tribute as not just the life of the party – but life itself.
“These are not just the usual words we say when someone passes. No. Angela truly was everything good, everything positive, everything uplifting to every single person who crossed her path,” he said.
“She was someone everyone loved. Someone whose presence lit up a room, whose kindness reached every corner of this community.
“And if there is one lesson Angela has left with us, it is this: a good life is not measured by what you own or what you achieve, but by the peace you keep with others, the love you give, and the joy you spread.”
