Euphemia Melita Chen aka "Ms. Mackie" from Deeside, Trelawny, Jamaica and Coral Springs, Florida

Obituary for Euphemia Melita “Ms. Mackie” Chen Euphemia Melita Chen (née Hew), affectionately known as “Ms. Mackie,” passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Coral Springs, Florida, surrounded by her loved ones. She was ninety nine years old. Born on June 14, 1926, in Sunderland, St. James, Jamaica, Euphemia was the eldest child of Alberta Peterkin and Charlie Hew. From humble beginnings, Euphemia became a woman of remarkable strength, faith, and determination. She attended Sunderland All Age School and went on to become an astute businesswoman for more than fifty years. Through dedication and perseverance, she built a legacy of hard work and devotion that inspired many. Euphemia married Izett Chen on April 25, 1948, and together they raised three children: Clinton, Beverley, and Marlene. Although she had three children of her own, her heart and home extended far beyond her immediate family. Relatives, friends, and those in need of shelter were always welcomed into her home. She was an excellent cook and would delight in making special dishes whenever family and friends made the long trip to Hampden or Deeside to visit. She also enjoyed baking, knitting, and farming. Euphemia’s business endeavors included a bakery and grocery shops across several communities. Even though her business kept her indoors, she loved working outside. She grew bananas and always raised animals in her backyard. In addition to the animals she raised to supply her household and shop with meat, she also raised a variety of exotic animals, including ducks, guinea chicks, turkeys, rabbits, peacocks, geese, and even a donkey. Euphemia lived a life of faith, as a member of Hastings Baptist Church, she served her Lord and her community with humility. She found joy in praying, singing hymns, and helping those in need. Her generosity touched everyone she met, and she embraced every opportunity to help, whether through giving a child her first ever pair of shoes to wear to school, supporting revival services on her shop front, or extending credit to customers in need. She never turned anyone away hungry. Her life was a testimony of faith in action and her familiar “God bless you,” was not just a phrase but a sincere expression of her loving spirit. After retiring from business in Jamaica, Euphemia migrated to the United States. Despite declining health in her later years, she remained grateful, spending her days praying, reciting Scripture, and thanking God and her caregivers with her familiar words: “Thank you ma’am”, “Thank you Jesus.” Thank you, Lord.” Euphemia is survived by her daughter, Marlene; her sister, Mabel (Ms. Girley); her adopted daughter, Petra; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Izett; her son, Clinton; and her daughter, Beverley. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2026, at Grace Funeral Chapels, 5980 Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313, at 12:30 p.m. Euphemia will be remembered as a Proverbs 31 woman: virtuous, hardworking, wise, compassionate, and strong. Her legacy lives on through the lives she nurtured and the many hearts she touched. Though she is deeply missed, we rejoice knowing she now rests in the house of the Lord she longed for. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith. Rest in eternal peace. Services will be Livestreamed, please use the link below: https://youtube.com/live/bfBVjhu5XPA?si=9CaK5CUgIa0tx0TM

Euphemia Melita Chen aka "Ms. Mackie" from Deeside, Trelawny, Jamaica and Coral Springs, Florida

June 14, 1926 - February 12, 2026