Sponsored by: Caribbean Travel EXplorer

Blanche Mary Joseph Sasso, seamstress of the original US Virgin Islands flag has died. Mrs Sasso passed on May 10, 2005, at Schneider Hospital.

Born September 15. 1899, Mrs Sasso was fond of pointing out that her lifetime spanned three centuries. She was educated by the Belgian Order of La Sainte Union du Sacre Coeur de Jesus, receiving her formal training by European nuns, when St. Thomas was a part of the Dutch West Indies. Mrs Sasso, who was a talented musician, attained the level of classical pianist at the age of 18 years old.

Mrs. Sasso began a significant, 45 year contribution to education on St. Thomas and St. Croix, in 1921, initially as a public school teacher. In the early 1930s she opened a private elementary school called Miss Joseph's Private School. She was also instrumental in helping to establish the first high school on St. Thomas.

Mrs Sasso had a number of "adoptees", whom she mentored throughout her life. She received numerous citations and rewards, including recognition from three US Presidents, Pope John Paul II, archbishops and bishops, local governors, senators, and congressional congress, and Rotary International.

Mrs Sasso excelled in embroidery, applique, and crewel work. Along with her sister, and as a matter of congressional record, she hand-embroidered the first US Virgin Islands flag, which was designed by her sister's husband, P.W. Sparks.

Senator Shawn-Michael Malone issued in part, the following statement, "...'Mama Sasso' or 'Aunt Blanche', as she was affectionately known, left a profound legacy and mark on the Virgin Islands community as the original seamstress of the USVI flag... She was not only living proof of our rich history... She is a matriarch of unequaled proportions and a culture bearer as well as an educator that set the standard for others to emulate."

Friends of Mrs Sasso may make a donation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, on St Thomas, for the purchase of a chalice in her name.

By: Caribbeannetnews