Mrs. Icilda Huggup (née Cowans)

November 11, 1934 – January 26, 2026

Icilda Huggup, affectionately known to many as Miss Icy, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and cherished memories.

Icilda was born on November 11, 1934, in Siloah, Jamaica, to the late Miriam and Albert Cowans. She attended All Saints All Age School and grew into a woman known for her strength, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family. She later married Cornelius Huggup, a skilled carpenter, and together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and generosity.

Over the years, the couple welcomed ten children and opened their home to many others, offering care, guidance, and support. Their family life spanned to Jamaica, The Bahamas, New York, and Florida, reflecting Icilda’s adaptability and her commitment to keeping family bonds strong across borders.

Icilda worked as a seamstress and was especially accomplished in dressmaking. She often made school uniforms for her children and grandchildren, a skill that became one of her many lasting legacies. She was also a chef extraordinaire, whose kitchen carried the heart and soul of Jamaica. Icilda was especially known for her fried dumplings and rich, comforting stew peas with rice—meals prepared with patience, skill, and plenty of love. Each of her children was taught to cook at an early age, learning not only her signature dishes but also the joy of feeding and caring for others. Her love for cooking and hospitality became a defining part of who she was, a legacy her children have proudly adopted, continuing her tradition of generosity, warmth, and togetherness.

Icilda was a faithful woman and an active member of Boulevard Baptist Church. In her later years, she worshipped at the Cathedral of the Messiah Christian Worship Center in Florida, where her quiet faith and steadfast presence were deeply valued.

Her children remember her as a kind, driven, stern, loving, and stubborn mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and stand firm in who they were. She was also known as the Bank of Jamaica because you could always go to her for a loan; however, you must pay her back.

Icilda’s legacy continues in the lives of her children: William of Jamaica, Claudette of Jamaica, Franceta of Florida, Leonard of New Jersey, Gary of New York, Sonia of Jamaica, Nicola of The Bahamas, Melissa of Florida, Peta Gaye of Florida, Stacey-Jo of Florida, Yolanda of Florida, and Ian of Florida. She leaves behind her sisters: Mertel of Canada, Winifred of Jamaica, Phylicita of Jamaica, and Joyce of Jamaica, and her brother, Alan of Jamaica.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cornelius Huggup; her brothers, Albert of Jamaica and Edward of Florida; and her sister, Millicent of Canada.

A funeral service will be held on February 7th, 2026, at Scarano Funeral Home, 9000 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. The viewing will be at 12 noon, followed by the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Doctor Faye Silvera officiating. A repast will follow at 3201 NW 121st Avenue, Sunrise, Florida 33323. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Icilda’s life.

The family gives thanks for the life of Mrs. Icilda Huggup, a life richly lived, lovingly given, and now peacefully resting in the arms of the Lord. Her legacy of faith, family, and love will continue for generations to come.

Condolences may be sent to shuggupbair@gmail.com or shared at www.scaranofuneralhomes.com.

In place of flowers, monetary donations may be zelled to Nhuggupmissick@gmail.com

In Repose Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. Funeral Service 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Please keep the Huggup family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Huggup family with the arrangements.