Old Harbour mourns passing of distinguished educator Lorraine Spencer-Jarrett

Spencer-Jarrett, 75, a lifelong resident of Claremont Heights, Old Harbour, passed away in Canada on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after spending the last few months hospitalised following a massive stroke here in Jamaica.

Tributes have been pouring in for the esteemed educator, who dedicated her life to the service of teaching, union leadership, and community development.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association, where Mrs. Spencer-Jarrett served as President from 2001 to 2002, hailed her as a “tireless advocate” in an official statement.

“Her legacy is one of unwavering service, integrity, and dedication,” said Dr. Mark Nicely, secretary general of the JTA. “She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but for her mentorship, compassion, and enduring belief in the transformative power of education.”

Her impact extended beyond Jamaica’s shores, as she served as deputy secretary general of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) from 1999 to 2013. In this role, she was a powerful voice for teachers across the region and a champion for gender equity as chair of the CUT’s Status of Women’s Committee.

Locally, the community of Old Harbour and the institutions she shaped are feeling her loss profoundly. Born and raised in Burke Road, Old Harbour, Spencer-Jarrett’s educational journey began as a teacher at Marlie Mount Primary. She later ascended to the role of principal of Davis Primary and Infant School, where she is remembered as a foundational figure.

In a heartfelt statement, the administration, staff, and students of Davis Primary described the late educator as a “beloved former principal and matriarch”. 

“We mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who touched and inspired countless lives,” the school’s tribute read. “Her contributions and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Beyond the classroom and the union hall, Spencer-Jarrett was also a dedicated member of the Girl Guides movement, served her community as a Justice of the Peace, a dedicated servant of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church and a cultural connoisseur in Old Harbour. 

As a Justice of the Peace “her legacy of service and commitment to education will be deeply missed,” stated the welfare committee of the St Catherine Justice of the Peace Association of Jamaica in a brief tribute. In adding its voice to the cacophony of cries of an unforgotten soul, the St Catherine Justice of the Peace Southwest Zone called on the community to “bear the bereaved family and associates in your fervent prayer”. 

Retired educator Lety Cross, a neighbour and friend of some 50 years of Mrs Spencer-Jarrett said the Miconian and former Tredegar Park Primary classroom teacher was a “go-getter, who put everything into what she does”.

“Therefore,” Cross added. “Whatever she does was always successful. She was a worker, who give her all at all times, and because of that she gets along well with people and everybody love working with her".

West Indies cricket star Rovman Powell, who was a student at Davis Primary when Spencer-Jarrett was at the helm, described her in a social media post as "A mother. A teacher. A leader but most importantly an amazing person". 

She is remembered not just for the titles she held, but for the profound and positive impact she had on every life she touched. As stated by the JTA, her contributions “will continue to inspire generations of educators across Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced at a later date.