A fundraising event held in memory of the “joyful presence” brought by a dementia patient who died this year has raised $2,000 for a local charity devoted to the cause.

Trish Dyer, the daughter of Barbara Cabral, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 94, said her mother loved music and dancing, and made a point of attending the social events organised by Dementia Bermuda, formerly Action on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The charity holds music and dance events including at the Peace Lutheran Church in Paget and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

The fundraiser in Ms Cabral’s honour took place at Spanish Point Boat Club on October 11.

Ms Dyer said of her mother, who was affectionately known as Bobbie: “Mom didn’t want the traditional funeral, but instead wanted people to be happy and dance, so we put on this event in her honour.

“We raised and donated approximately $2,000 for Dementia Bermuda in appreciation for the joy they brought to her with the wonderful programmes that they offered, and to help with the costs to continue to offer them to those suffering with dementia.”

Marie Fay, clinical director at Dementia Bermuda, thanked Ms Dyer and her daughter Gina Cooper for organising a “wonderful community event” in loving memory of Ms Cabral, whose “joyful presence was a cherished part of our programmes for many years”.

She added: “The gathering, held in Bobbie’s honour, celebrated her vibrant spirit, with proceeds generously donated to support the ongoing work of Dementia Bermuda.”

Ms Fay and Morrisa Rogers, Dementia Bermuda board director, attended the event, joining family and friends in remembering Ms Cabral’s “incredible energy and warmth”.

Ms Fay added: “Bobbie was truly the life and soul of our activities — her face would light up whenever music began and she never missed a chance to dance.

“Even as her dementia advanced, her joy remained constant, inspiring everyone around her.”

Dementia Bermuda is a non-profit organisation that aims to enhance the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers through four core services.

It offers in-home occupational therapy, daily therapeutic activities, cognitive stimulation therapy and caregiver education and support programmes.

For more information visit www.dementiabermuda.com, e-mail info@dementiabermuda.com or call 707-0600.