Zena Lee McKenzie Cole, daughter of Lurlene Embden and Alphonso McKenzie, was born on December 241935 in Manchester Jamaica, W.l. and departed this life on March 6, 2022.
Zena attended Coley Mountain Primary School where she demonstrated a natural affinity for mathematics. As a young girl, she moved to Kingston to gain new experiences as well as improve her life trajectory. While living in Kingston, Zena learned dressmaking and eventually became a much sought-after seamstress. Zena, who was very gifted in mathematics, did not need to cut her dresses from a pattern; instead, she cut them quite accurately from memory. During that time, Zena became a mother to a son, Oscar Bobby Cole, and a daughter, Althea Walsh.
Zena immigrated to the United States in 1969 where she worked as a
Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA) for many years at both the Brigham &
Women's Hospital as well as Sherrill House. After retiring from Brigham & Women's Hospital, she worked part-time at Frugal Fannie's because she wanted to be an active, contributing member of our community. She also volunteered as a poll worker during local, statewide, and federal elections. Zena, who was baptized in 2001, was an active member of the choir, Early Prayer Ministry, and Senior Adult Ministry at Morning Star Baptist Church where she found a community that fulfill her spiritual needs.
Although a very hard worker, Zena had a zest for life. She loved to listen to music, dance, travel, and go out for dinner and drinks with friends. When not hanging out with family and friends, Zena could be found at home watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Columbo—her favorite TV show.
Zena is survived by her son - Bobby Cole, grandson- Kayeen Cole, sister- Venlyn Evans, nephew- Everad Campbell, three nieces- Arteha Miller, Samantha Evans, and Emma Evans, aunt - Maureen Giave, cousins- Viola Richmond and Donna Watson, and many relatives and dear friends.
Viewing Hours will be on Wednesday March 16, 2022 from 10-11 AM followed by a Religious Service from 11-12 PM in the Morning Star Baptist Church located at 1257 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, Ma. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery loacted at 427 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, Ma.