U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —I was personally saddened to learn of the passing of Gloria H. Canegata Waterman, whose life of public service to the Virgin Islands serves as a model for others to follow. I will always remember her as an educator and administrator dedicated to family and community.
Mrs. Waterman’s tenure as a renowned math teacher, professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, and later, Principal of St. Joseph’s Catholic School is legendary. This mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was the epitome of women’s empowerment – holding increasingly responsible government positions throughout her lifetime with the Virgin Islands Board of Education, Department of Labor, and with the Office of the Governor as St. Croix Administrator, to name a few.
It was fitting that the 34th VI Legislature saw fit to name the Education Department’s Administration Building on St. Croix in her honor, reflecting the magnitude of Mrs. Waterman’s contributions during her stellar career as an educator.
With Mrs. Waterman’s passing, the Virgin Islands community has lost a role model whose life exemplified compassion, wisdom, and strength.
May her family be comforted by Mrs. Waterman’s lasting contributions as a community stalwart and a historic figure for the entire U.S. Virgin Islands.
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