Obituaries

Name:

" Hazel Eloise Rhoden "

D.O.B:

5/3/1929

D.O.D

05/05/2026

Country From:

Jamaica

State / Parish:

Saint Mary

Place of Death

Valley Stream, New York, USA

Service Date

05/29/2026

4:00pm

Details:

The funeral for the late Hazel Eloise Rhoden will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Presbyterian Church of Saint Albans located at 190-04 119th Ave, St. Albans, NY 11412. The viewing will be held from 4pm-6pm, followed by the funeral service at 6pm. She will be laid to rest in Farmingdale, New York, USA. Please give your condolences to the Rhoden family.

Special Info

With love and profound gratitude we celebrate the life of Hazel Eloise Rhoden, who graced this world and those who knew her with 97 incredible years. Affectionately known as Ms. P, Polly and Mama, Hazel Eloise Rhoden was born on May 3, 1929 to Leslie Holness and Albertha Montague in St. Mary, Jamaica. Her journey was defined by unwavering devotion, resilience and love for her family and community.

At the age of 19, she met the love of her life, Leslie Rhoden. Two years later they were joined in marriage, and embarked on a lifelong partnership that spanned 76 years. Together they built a beautiful family, and she embraced motherhood with profound grace and dedication. After the birth of her fifth child, she brought her sharp leadership and work ethic into the workforce, serving as housekeeping supervisor at the Jamaica Playboy Hotel.

Driven by her desire to create a brighter future for her family, Hazel later migrated to the United States, courageously paving the way for her husband and children to join her. In the US she dedicated herself to the care of others, working at Seacrest Nursing Home for 25 years, before her well-earned retirement.

Hazel was known for her gentle spirit, radiant warmth, and her joyful sense of humor, that brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her kitchen was the heart of her home. She expressed her love through cooking, and her table was always open to family, friends and others around her. Her legendary sweet potato pudding, delicious Easter buns, savory oxtail and rich black Christmas cake were more than just meals; they were expressions of a love and a generous heart.

Her faith was her anchor. She began her Christian journey in the Anglican Church alongside her mother and later embraced the Baptist faith after her marriage. In her later life she and Leslie became Presbyterians and joined the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans. She raised her children in the church, instilling in them love for the Lord and a strong moral foundation that continues to guide generations. Music was her lifelong joy, and while in Jamaica she sang on the church choir along with Leslie. In recent years, as her health declined, a pastime of hers was to sing hymns along with him. Even in her 90s her sharp mind never failed her. She remembered every lyric of these songs, a testament to a beautiful mind and an enduring spirit.

After a brief stay in the hospital, she was called home on May 5. She leaves behind a rich legacy: her devoted husband, Leslie; her sister, Joan Holness; her children: Margaret Rhoden-Harper (Dr. John Harper), Osbert Rhoden (Melrose Rhoden), Audrey Edwards (Dr. Franklin Edwards), Percival Rhoden (Barbara O'Neal-Rhoden), Evette Rhoden, Donovan Rhoden, Stacy Birthwright (Tony Birthwright), and Patricia Rhoden; brother-in-law Rev. Lynford Rhoden, 20 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and scores of extended family and friends who loved her deeply.

Rest in peace Mama. Your family is immeasurably blessed to have walked in the light of your love, and your legacy as our matriarch will shine forever.

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