Alice Laurel de Lugo Grigg was born on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands on January 21, 1940 to Erica Beatrice Lee and Alvaro de Lugo. She lost her mother when she was just a year old and she and her sister, Sandra, were raised by their grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. Laurel attended Kathryn Simmonds and Miss Vitalia Boynes Private Schools and CAHS, graduating in 1956.
She was employed for several years at the V.I. Hotel and at the Yacht Haven Hotel after which she entered government service at the V.I. Department of Public Works where she worked for many years as an Executive Secretary until her retirement.
Laurel enjoyed being a Girl Scout in Troop 212, led by Mrs. Anna Watson. She was a member of the St Thomas Reformed Church, where she was baptized. She was active and remained involved in many church events and activities throughout the years. She loved to travel; her trips took her to the mainland U.S., Italy, Greece, France, England, Mexico, Hawaii, Switzerland, Turkey and many Caribbean Islands, most often with her sister Sandra.
She was an avid card player and enjoyed playing poker and canasta with her brother Raymond and friends. When she moved to Florida, she enjoyed playing games of “Hand and Foot” with her girlfriends; Laurel’s competitive spirit was inspirational. An excellent cook, her specialties included Kallaloo, native bread pudding, soursop beverage, coquito, and fruit cakes that she and her sister Sandra made for friends and family at Christmas time.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Laurel is survived by Her children: Kathryn Jensen-de Lugo Rhymer (Wayne), Jens G. Jensen (Paula), grandchildren: Lt. Lemuel L. Houston, Jr. Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (Lindsey), CW4 Robert P. Houston, US Army (Laconda), Nicholas and Dane Jensen. Great-grandchildren: Omar, Kaelyn, Eli and Olivia Houston. Her brothers: Robert (Joan) and Charles (Dawn) de Lugo. Her sisters: Diane de Lugo Doss, Sandra de Lugo Olive (Marcel), Beverley de Lugo Collins, Brenda de Lugo Patrick, and Charlene de Lugo Jones.
She is also survived by her life partner John Harding and his family.
Special friends: Maxine and Lisa Fuentes, Eleanor Cerge, Winifred Scott, Harriet Smith, and Mary Davis. Many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and other friends. Caregivers: Lisa and Yayi Fuentes, Vere Daley, and Monique de Lugo Plaskett.