MoBay ophthalmologist dies in Florida, days after husband
Published:Tuesday | September 2, 2025 | 12:06 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
RESPECTED MONTEGO Bay ophthalmologist Dr Winsome Hastings died in a Florida hospital on August 25 following a minor procedure, just two days after her husband, Donovan Clark, passed away at another facility.
Friends in Jamaica describe their deaths as “surreal”.
The western Jamaica medical fraternity has been plunged into mourning as the news broke, with tributes pouring in for Dr Hastings, who was widely regarded as one of the region’s leading eye specialists.
Born on October 30, 1943, in Montego Bay, Hastings was the eldest child of Whylie Hastings of Great Valley, Hanover. A past student of Montego Bay High School, she studied medicine at The University of the West Indies (UWI), graduating in 1973.
She began her career at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) before specialising in ophthalmology in St Louis, Missouri. On her return to Jamaica, she worked as a consultant in CRH’s Eye Department and, because of the shortage of specialists, practised in Mandeville and Savanna-la-Mar on weekends.
After leaving government service, Hastings established a private practice on Orange Street, Montego Bay, and for several years operated a clinic in Florida before returning home permanently after Hurricane Andrew.
It was at UWI that Hastings met Clark, who later became her husband of more than 40 years. The couple, who shared one son, Alexi, divided their time between Jamaica and the United States in recent years, particularly due to Clark’s illness.
Clark, who became a licensed real estate agent during their years in Florida, died on Saturday, August 23. Hastings, who was hospitalised at the time, succumbed two days later.
Lifelong friend and classmate, Ken McCarthy said the couple’s passing has left him devastated.
“Winsome was one of the most kind, loyal friends one could ever wish for. Always full of life and seemed invincible,” he said. “She was a caring, compassionate and devoted physician.”
He remembered her humour in debates with her husband. “At times I had to play referee. Winsome would then turn to Donovan and say, ‘You not getting Ken a drink?’ What I really needed was something stronger for sore ribs from laughing.”
McCarthy also described Clark as “a calm, cool and very personable chap, almost unflappable, even when his wife blamed him for anything that went amiss. He had an unparalleled sense of humour.”
Classmate Dr Marjorie Kerr recalled their days at medical school in the late 1960s. “We were both in residence at Mary Seacole Hall and often studied late into the night. Winsome was always dedicated,” she said. “To lose her, and Donovan as well, is heartbreaking.
Dr Winsome Hastings is remembered as a pioneer in ophthalmology in western Jamaica, whose career spanned decades of service at Cornwall Regional Hospital, private practice, and mentoring younger doctors.
Her sudden passing, alongside her husband’s, has been described as a double tragedy that has left Montego Bay in mourning.