Trini-born nurse dies from COVID-19 in England

Mahadaye Mary Jagroop, a Trinidad born nurse who was working on the frontline at age 66 and who is described as a person who cared “relentlessly” for patients is among the latest frontline heroes to have died in England from COVId-19.

The UK Mirror spoke to colleagues described Mahadaye Jagroop – known as Mary – as a “beautiful” and “respected” member of the team at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital.

Jagroop, died at the hospital where she worked for many years on 22 April.

Suzette Smith said: “Mary and I were colleagues for years. I can still remember our last conversation, which was full of laughter.

“Mary was a quiet and softly-spoken but a dedicated nurse who gave her all for her patients.

“She was one of the best warriors you could wish for in the fight against this deadly virus. Mary was respected and loved by all. She will be missed but not forgotten.”

Scores of tributes were paid to Mary online. Former colleague Thalia Zong wrote: “You and your beautiful smile, which has always inspired me, will continue to do so through these tough times.”

Speaking to the BBC , Lisa Stalley-Green, chief nurse at the NHS trust, said Ms Jagroop had “touched the lives of many in her distinguished career as a nurse”.

Her friend and colleague Arlan Castillo said she had “served relentlessly” treating coronavirus patients.

“Truly, Mary is one of the many heroic healthcare workers who showed her determination as a nurse and served patients in need of care and treatment even during these dire moments,” he said.

Shocked friends and colleagues also described her as a “gentle soul” and a “great and caring nurse”.

One wrote on Facebook: “I’m sad and feel heartbroken to hear another great, committed NHS nurse has passed.

“I had the pleasure of working many shifts alongside Mary. She will be greatly missed.”

Mr Castillo added there was simple ceremony to remember her at the hospital on Friday.

Stalley-Green, of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Jagroop worked as a nurse at the hospital for 30 years before falling ill. She is originally from Boundary Road in San Juan and left Trinidad and Tobago at age 18.

Although she retired Jagroop continued to work at the Birmingham Heartlands hospital where she contracted COVID 19 and subsequently died.

The Guardian reported Stalley-Green’s announcement. She said“It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of one of our highly valued colleagues, Mahadaye Jagroop.

Mary was a respected and loved member of our team and touched the lives of many in her distinguished career as a nurse. This was demonstrated by the beautiful and heartfelt tribute by colleagues at Heartlands hospital this morning.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.” (Source UK Mirror/ BBC/ Guardian)