Mary Ethny Erena Cumberbatch

Please click link to view Live Streaming https://youtube.com/live/PpziXZ0R7xE?feature=share

Mary Ethny Erena Cumberbatch (nee Katchay) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 7, 2024. Mary was born to the late Louise and Herbert Katchay on March 21, 1929 in Guyana. Mary, also fondly known as Dottie, was the beloved wife of Claude C.C. Cumberbatch (deceased). Dottie will be sadly missed by her daughter, Rozanna and husband, Don, and grand-daughter, Gabriella. Dottie was the loving sister of the late Lynette, Kenrick (Bonny), John (Trevy), Jocelyn (Claire), Herbert (Herbie) and Aubrey (Buntin), and adopted brother, Derrick (all preceded her in death). Auntie Dots was loved dearly by her nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

From an early age, she developed a passion for music more specifically the piano.  Dottie attended St. Joseph’s High School and upon graduation assumed a position at Guyana Life Insurance Company. In addition to her full-time position, she offered piano lessons.

As an accomplished pianist, Dottie often performed at concerts in Georgetown, Guyana with her sister, Lynette, one of the top musicians in Guyana. Dottie honored piano examinations offered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. She took a sabbatical from her role at the Insurance Company to work in England for one year to gain additional experience in the field. Dottie returned to Guyana and assumed an administrative position at the Sugar Industry Labor Welfare Fund Committee.

After Dottie and Claude were married and their daughter was born, she embraced her new responsibilities. She became a devoted and loving mother to Rozanna and supported her academic interests and extracurricular activities. Often, Dottie and her daughter attended piano recitals at the Cultural Center and Queens College, and tea parties at the YWCA.

When Dottie and Claude migrated to the United States during her retirement years, she shared her love of the piano and passed her appreciation of music to some of the children of her former Guyanese pupils. Dottie also enjoyed traveling. Apart from her time in England, she visited Portugal, Canada, and accompanied Rozanna and Don to Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. She also had an interest in knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint for which she acquired a large collection of material.

She was a devoted Christian and a firm believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She enjoyed worshipping at St Matthias Church in Lanham, Maryland. Dottie’s family will be comforted in knowing that she is well placed in God’s Kingdom.