Herminia Cain

Herminia Cain, 88, born on August 15, 1928 in Panama, passed away July 11, 2017. She resided in Canoga Park, California at the time of her passing having been afflicted with Lewy Body dementia with Parkinsons for the past 6 years.

Growing up in Panama she worked in her mother's home beauty salon before school washing client's hair. She and her younger brother Walter (deceased) would play pranks on each other and go to the movies together on a Sunday afternoon. After completing high school she worked as a stenographer and dreamed of going to Cuba to visit her best friend. She made a pact with her mother to visit Jamaica prior to going to Cuba. Upon arriving to Jamaica she met the love of her life Roy and never visited Cuba in her lifetime. She started her married life in a new country with a new language and was welcomed by many in Jamaica and she developed a very close knit group of young persons who became lifelong friends. She found her rhythm and became a pillar of her community, actively volunteering in her local church and with organizations. She was a consummate wife, mother and homemaker. She was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. She loved to entertain and always involved her children in the preparations, ensuring they were taught the intricacies of hosting parties. She played the piano, loved theater, opera and the beach, even though she did not swim. She was an excellent seamstress and loved to sew and crochet. Herminia was an avid gardener and learned to graft her hibiscus and crotons, and loved planting and pruning roses. She raised her 4 children as a working mother and housewife and always encouraged them to be their best selves possible.

She began working at Fire Safety as a Secretary, in Jamaica, and after some time began to work alongside her husband Roy in their family business in the automotive industry, managing the books and finances. Herminia became the force behind bringing the international brand (NAPA) to Jamaica. She knew the name of every car part and what they were used for and she could change her oil and tires if necessary. She had an inquisitive mind, quick wit and would strive for excellence in everything she did.

She was a negotiator, and she quietly was able to impact the lives of many individuals to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, including a young man who went on to become a prominent doctor in Jamaica; and she could negotiate her way out of traffic tickets as well. She was always listening for the yes in any situation. After leaving Jamaica to start a new life in the United States, she once again brought forth the unstoppable will to provide services to people. She learned how to do engine valve jobs and had the strength to lift said engine so it could be delivered to the customer on time. She just would not take no as an answer for anything. She owned and operated a Carvel Ice Cream Franchise in Boca Raton, Florida.

She moved yet again across country to be with her daughter, Maritza. She started again and created a new life. After retirement from retail, she was unwavering in taking care of her daughter, Yola who fought breast cancer & died in 2000. She took on the role of full time grandmother to her 3 grandchildren who lived with her and also caretaker of her mother, Esmie who died in 2001 and then her husband, Roy who had PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy) who died in 2004.

Throughout it all, Herminia was full of life, love and passion. She laughed a lot and was a prankster. She was adventurous and was not afraid to venture into the unknown, by herself. She had a great sense of humor and could always laugh at herself. She was devoted to her family and was loving and kind to all who she encountered until the day she took her last breath.

She will be missed.

Herminia lived life to the fullest as a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great grand mother, aunt and great aunt. She leaves behind her son Roy, daughters, Maritza and Judy-Lee; grandchildren: Camille (husband Rohan), Kurt (wife Crissy), Nasif, Jordan, Diamond; great grandchildren: Logan, Marly, Noelle, Kellen, Kenzo as well as brother-in-law: Audley (wife Alma), sister-in-laws: Beryl & Marsha; nieces: Stephanie & Melissa (husband Alan); nephews Robert, Darryl (Cherie) & Marc ; great nephews: William (Antionette), Jason, Dominic (his son Timo), Maurice (wife Sophia), Julian, Kyle, Conner; and great nieces: Raquel, Erika & Emma and cousins and other family members.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.