Ena Mae Bascombe

On Thursday, February 16, 1939, a baby girl was born to Father Leon & Mary Livingston, and they named her Ena Mae. Ena Mae was the second girl of her eight (8) siblings for her mother, and was predeceased by three (3).
A native of the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies, Ena Mae received her early education and
formation in Clarendon and Martins in St. Mary.
Seemingly infected by the urban migration fever, she moved to Kingston, Jamaica's capital city in the 1950s in pursuit of further personal advancement. In Kingston, she was a shoe designer, and was an entrepreneur who had her own clothing business. Additionally, she also engaged various customer service disciplines.
In the late 1960s, Ena Mae emigrated to the USA and made the city of Patterson her new home. Here she experienced the highs and lows of life, but remained resilient as she navigated the storms and embraced the joys that came her way. During her life as a citizen of this country, Ena Mae was bold, brilliant and adventurous. Her sojourn included modelling and beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and dedicated service in the dietetics department of the St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson; the employment from which she retired.
While the foregoing might have been some earthly pursuits which she enjoyed, her most significant pursuit would have been her dedication to her relationship with Jesus Christ and how she sought to exercise her Christian faith through her church community.
Reflections from some family members:
Neice Marlene: remembers her as being happy, kind and loving. She was an excellent cook who
could turn her kitchen into a restaurant in a minute.
Neice Nicole: remembers her as being caring and loving. Aunty Ena loved life and at her best, she
was like springtime.
Neice Maureen: says, Aunty Ena, demonstrated kindness, thoughtfulness, and love. Her beauty and charisma shone radiantly. She was embodiment of fine etiquette and demanded that those around her conducted themselves gracefully. She still remembers Aunty Ena saying to her "Maureen repeat after me "Aunty Ena, please excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room"
Neice Pamela, was looking forward to visiting with her [from England] this year. She is deeply saddened by the sudden passing. Her sister Jean can still remember their youthful and joyful days growing up in Jamaica. Ena was full of life. Her brothers Maston and Aston remember her as one who cared for her family. They shared a special relationship. She was a dancer, a real beauty.
Over these 85 years, Ena Mae did not just live, she did not just occupy space, she gave of herself to many; influencing and inspiring those around her to be their best selves. It might therefor be worthwhile to remember her by the acrostic of her name,
Ena Mae Bascombe:
E –elegant & empathetic,
N – nurturing & noteworthy
A –awesome & accommodating
M –meticulous & motherly
A- accomplished & amazing,
E- eager & energetic
B – beautiful & beneficent (supportive)
A-assertive & admirable
S – sophisticated & spiritual
C – charismatic & courageous
O- open-hearted & open-handed
M- magnanimous & mirthful
B- beloved & blessed
E-endearing & enthusiastic
She lived a full life, a life in the hands of God. Ena Mae is unforgettable, and so, It is no coincidence that Ena Mae Bascombe was born on February 16, 1939, and today, February 16, we gather here to commemorate her life and witness.
Ena Mae is survived by sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.
May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on her.