Ruperdaya Veronica Bissessar

Ruperdaya Veronica Bissessar

Ruperdaya Veronica Bissessar, lovingly known as Veronica, passed away on August 26, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 78.

Born on February 2, 1948, in El Socorro, Cimaronero, Trinidad, Veronica was the daughter of Ramcharan and Soan Chotoo. Before making Fort Lauderdale her home, Veronica lived in Canada. She eventually settled in Fort Lauderdale, where she lived for 37 years and devoted her life to what mattered most to her—her family, her faith, and caring for those she loved.

Veronica was a loving wife and mother whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was known for her kindness, humility, forgiveness, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a deep love of cooking and enjoyed preparing multicultural dishes and desserts for family and friends. She also enjoyed reading, praying the Rosary, listening to Catholic hymns and country music, and sharing time with the people she loved.

Her Catholic faith was at the heart of her life. Veronica possessed a profound devotion to the Blessed Trinity, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She was an active member of the Catholic community and served at both St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Her service included being a Eucharistic Minister, participating in the Women’s Club, and supporting Respect Life. Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was a source of strength, compassion, forgiveness, and love that she carried throughout her life.

Veronica was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Desmond Bissessar, who passed away on September 3, 2014, and by their son, Desmond Bissessar Jr., who passed away on October 25, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ramcharan and Soan Chotoo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Rose Bissessar; and siblings Dularie (Didi) Ali, Sarge Chotoo, Goomtie Joyce Ali, Durga Balay Chotoo, Lalchan Ken Chotoo, and Doodoo Maniedeo.

She leaves behind her children, Terrence Bissessar and Sharon McAfee, and her son-in-law, Edward McAfee. She is also survived by her sister, Sumentra Ivy Narine; brother, Roopchan Ram Chotoo; niece, Nazmin Rosanna Hosein; nephew, Dane Narine; sister-in-law Jean Murray and her family, including Cecil Murray and nieces Tessa Murray and Suzette Rotrock; her beloved friends Tina Abott and Father Jude Ezeanokwasa; as well as numerous other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Veronica was a devoted mother to her three children, Terrence Bissessar, Sharon McAfee, and Desmond Bissessar Jr. She shared a special and loving bond with each of them. Although, Desmond Jr. preceded her in death, his memory remained an enduring part of her heart and her life. Veronica was especially close to Terrence and Sharon, and her relationship with Sharon grew into a beautiful friendship as well as a mother-daughter bond. The love she shared with her children was one of the greatest treasures of her life.

Veronica will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, gentle nature, humor, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her, and the memory of her life and faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Entombment will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Veronica's life was a testament to faith, family, forgiveness, and love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Please use link to view the Funeral Mass.