Miss Cleo 1925-2010
(CNS): Cayman is mourning the loss of one of its favourite characters after Cleopatra Conolly, more fondly known Miss Cleo, lost her battle with cancer in the early hours yesterday (Monday 22 March) aged 84. A familiar figure in East End and throughout the Cayman Islands, as an outstanding cook, a storyteller and an ambassador for tourism and Caymanian culture, Miss Cleo always had a warm welcome to visitors at her cottage in Gun Bay . Although Miss Cleo did not have children of her own, she was loved by many and will be missed not only by her brother and his children but many across the islands.
In 2000, Miss Cleo was appointed “ambassador” at the Tortuga Morritt’s resort after working their in the kitchen for 32 years. Meeting guests in the lobby, she would sign copies of her book full of tasty local dishes, Miss Cleo’s Kitchen: Treasured Recipes from East End, and tell stories of the olden days in Cayman.
Her funeral will take place on Saturday at the United Church at Gun Bay.
See News 27 video of Frank Conolly, Miss Cleo’s brother
Category: Local News
During the two years I spent in Cayman, Barrie Quappe taught me many things about Cayman that I would never have known, but she also introduced me to Miss Cleo and that is a gift that I will never forget. All it took was one all too brief meeting to recognize what a very special person she was.
Losing such a lovely soul is always a loss for friends, family and community, but I hope we can all take some comfort in the knowledge that hers was a full life, well lived and that she left the world a better place, although we are poorer for her loss.
I was glad to have known Ms Cleo. I have so many good memories of her since we officially met in 2005.I could write a short book on what she taught me in that short while including how to dress like you were going to meet the king everyday with everything matching..I will miss you very much Ms Cleo your Wednesday driver.
Thankful for your life and devotion to the Cayman Islands Miss Cleo. You will be missed.
I had the pleasure to meet Miss Cleo and remember the wonderful stories she would tell. I also had the pleasure to work with Miss Cleo and will never forget when I asked her to tell me how to make turtle stew recipe, she said it was her secret recipe, so I told her I would sneak in the kitchen whilst she makes it and we would laugh. I’m glad I met her, and a few others (Capt Leroy Watson) humble and genuine Caymanians people. You will be missed Miss Cleo.
Rest in peace and God Bless.
….An amazing woman.
Of all the vibrant and strong caymanians that I never got to offically meet it was Ms. Cleo. In thinking of it though…I feel like I must have.
In my readings of her and her work and her strong caymanian spirit, I identify with so much with it, that I could say I vicariously have done so. No doubt, it is the warm caring characteristics of the Caymanian people – our cultural, religious, community, love for neighbour influences that I identify with.
As a young Caymanian, I am moved by her fortitude, endurance and compassion. Her love for her country transcended the changes and to thy ownself she remained truthful.
Thank you Ms. Cleo for all you done to make your life, country and community a better place. May the one who journeyed up a hill to be nailed to two sticks (who I understand and believed you believed in), welcome you with open arms. There is sure to be a sweet smelling of some good fish rundown or turtle stew brewing in the heavenlies now. Happy eating mama-Cleo.
Tears in teh heart
A dispository of Cayman Culture has passed away! Who will take on what she knew?
Let us learn more from our seniors, or else – it’s too late to send them flowers.
My warm condolences to her family and Easteners.
I remember when I had just started a new job at Morritt’s, I was shy, I didn’t know anyone there at all, Miss Cleo took me under her wing and showed me the ropes (I was to meet and greet Timeshare guests and take them on a tour of the timeshare units) Miss Cleo would keep me company in the Lobby telling me stories of days gone by while I waited for guests to come into the hotel, I just couldn’t wait to see her in the mornings,
Oh Miss Cleo can see your beautiful smile now and your wave….
May you rest in peace East End Angel,
From your young WB friend Miss Cleo you will forever be remembered in our Hearts and are Memories you were a very Special Woman,