Mary Lena Hunte was born on the beautiful island of Trinidad on Sunday, February

19th, 1933, to George and Catherine Bharath. She was raised alongside her 3 siblings -

Marjorie, Donald, and Errol in the town of San Juan. Lena spent most of her childhood

playing outside and helping her mother at the local market. Contrary to the poise and

feminine woman we all know and love, as a child, Lena was most commonly described

as a tomboy and typically found outside throwing provisions at others for fun.

At the age of 16, she met her first love, Ram Doorbal. A love so great that it led to their

beautiful marriage and the birth of their first child, Patricia. Two years later, they

welcomed their first son, Michael. They then completed their family by welcoming

Diana, Carol, and Christine into the world. Lena quickly fell into the natural nurturing and

loving role as a mother. Raising her children in a loving household came naturally to

Lena. Lena and Ram chose to raise their children in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Her

children described their childhood as being full of love, laughter, and happiness. This is

not to say that Lena ever forgot about keeping herself well- polished while being a stay-

at-home mom. Lena was never found without her nails and hair done and was always in

her best clothes. Throughout her life, she enjoyed pampering herself, fishing, throwing

lavish parties, and traveling. After 10 years of marriage, Lena and Ram made the

difficult decision to end their marriage with the best interest of themselves and their

children in mind.

Shortly thereafter, Lena opened her heart to Calve (Carl) Hunte, where they soon started a life

together in Belmont, Trinidad, that lasted for 60 years. It was in this town that Lena

opened and ran her own roti shop that operated successfully for three years. With her

skills and charming personality, she then obtained a job at a well-known, high-end

restaurant. Lena quickly became a customer and staff favorite. During this exciting time

of success, Lena and Carl welcomed her last child Anthony into the world. In 1965,

Lena decided to take a vacation with a close friend of hers to Brooklyn, New York. It

wasn't long before the Brooklyn charm swept her off her feet and made her firm in her

belief that this is where she was meant to continue growing. Lena found a job as a

nanny for a wealthy family in Manhattan, where she obtained money for herself and her

children back in Trinidad. Carl subsequently made the same leap Lena did and joined

her in Brooklyn. While Lena maintained her job as a nanny during the day, she made

the great decision to start beautician school. With her hard work and determination, she

soon sent for her children, Anthony, Michael, and Diana to join her and Carl in

Brooklyn. While multitasking (a mother, working, and going to school,) Lena

accomplished her goal of obtaining her beautician license in 1969. Once she settled

herself and her children into this new life, she sent for the remaining children - Patricia,

Carol and Christine in 1970. Lena and Carl had now been able to celebrate their

achievements with their children by their side. After successfully bringing all of her kids

to the US, Lena shortly began working at a high-end beauty parlor; A&S Beauty Salon.

Due to its high-end clientele, Lena was especially valued by her bosses because of her

ability work with clients of all origins and hair textures. In the height of her career

flourishing, Lena and Carl made the decision to get married in 1972. They then

purchased their first house in Flatbush and made it into their lifelong home. It was in the

basement of this home that Lena began and grew her own business as a hair stylist

after retiring from A&S Beauty Salon.

In 1984, Lena made the life altering decision to give her life to Jesus Christ. Lena made

the quick transition of throwing weekly lavish parties, to spending her time in her new

home away from home, the Brooklyn Tabernacle and became a member. She joined

the senior choir, participated in plays for local nursing homes, and lastly, but certainly

not the least, the prayer band. The prayer band was Lena's pride and joy, something

she loved being a part of until her soul left this earth. As a result of her devotion to the

church, she was affectionately nicknamed by the church members as "Mama Lena".

She left quite the legacy at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, where she was admired for her

generosity, kindness, and hope for others. She left an imprint on the lives of many, who

still declare her to be an important part of their journey. Mary Lena Hunte transitioned

from this earth to be with the Lord on February 22nd, 2026. Lena is preceded by her

parents, George and Catherine Bharath, sister Marjorie, brothers, Donald and Errol,

husband, Carl, son, Anthony, daughter, Diana, and grandchildren, Karen and Kenneth.

She is survived by her 4 children - Patricia, Michael (Norma), Carol (Santiago) and

Christine; grandchildren - Kim, Santiago Jr., Michael H., Nicholas, Michael Jr., Cathy,

Christopher, and Jaime; great grandchildren – Shalesha, Timothy, Tiffanie, Santiago,

Kaitlyn, Brendan, Simon, Sienna, Willa, Raffaele, Nicholas, Fiametta, Kai, and Thomas;

and great-great grandchild, Neriyah.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/mary-hunte/obituary/

Copy