THELMA ALBERTINE ROCHESTER

Obituary

for Thelma Albertine “Kitten” Rochester

Thelma Rochester, warmly known to all as "Aunt Thelma " was called home to be with her Lord and savior on June 13, 2026 surrounded by her family with love.  Aunt Thelma was born on August 5, 1935, in St. Ann’s Jamaica, to George and Lynette Atkinson. She lived a life defined by hard work, determination, love, and an extraordinary gift for bringing people together through food and traditions.

A bright and dedicated student, Thelma finished school at the age of 17 and moved to Kingston Jamaica where she met and worked for a Syrian family.  It was there that she met the love of her life Leonard Rochester where their love story continued until her last day and remains in their family forever more.  While working for the Syrian family, Aunt Thelma  developed and refined her remarkable culinary talents, learning to prepare both traditional Jamaican dishes and a variety of ethnic cuisines. Her kitchen became a place of comfort, celebration, and family tradition. Among her most beloved specialties were kibbeh, shepherd’s pie, wrapped cabbage, roast beef and her famous homemade salad dressing—a recipe cherished by family and friends alike.

While in the US, Thelma was instrumental in making sure her immediate and extended family made it to the United States.  Thelma also worked for many years as a home health aide before following her true legacy.

Thelma’s passion for cooking and hospitality led her and her husband Lenny to open a restaurant together in the early 1980s. Through their business, she shared her warmth, generosity, and talent with the community, creating meals that nourished both body and spirit. Her food was more than sustenance; it was an expression of love and care that left lasting memories for everyone who gathered at her table.

Throughout her life, Thelma remained devoted to her family and took great pride in preserving traditions while creating new ones. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved will never be forgotten.

Thelma leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and treasured family recipes that will continue to be enjoyed for generations. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, in the stories shared around family tables, and in every meal prepared with love.

Thelma leaves behind to carry on her legacy, her devoted husband of 64 years Lenny, 5 children Pauline, Leroy (Sandra), Jennifer (Romeo), Patrick (Clarice), Denise (Michael).

1 sister Aseneth 3 brothers Seymour, Cyril and Hubert
3 predeceased siblings:  Ionie, Icyline and Laurel.  Grandkids: Dwight, Richard,  Nicholas, Alexis Taliah, Tamia, Jordan, Alexander, Nathaniel.  Great grands:  Danielle, Yedayah and Zurielle.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and  friends.
 

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