Hortense Maude McKenzie was born to Percival and Marjorianna Freeman on September 6, 1937, in Beckford Kraal, Clarendon, Jamaica. She was the eldest of her surviving fourteen siblings. As the eldest, she was a huge support to her parents in helping to raise her younger siblings.

Hortense attended Mount Liberty All Ages School in Beckford Kraal, Jamaica. After she matriculated, Hortense entered the workforce and held several jobs. She also gained employment as an agricultural worker at the Caymanas Estates.  She was a very diligent and hard worker and excelled in everything she did.

In the early 1970s, Hortense met and married the love of her life, Charles McKenzie (deceased), affectionately known as "Duke".  In 1989, at the behest of her daughter, Lillian Parara (deceased), she emigrated to the Boston, Massachusetts.  Once she became situated, she brought her eldest child, Sylbert Stewart, and his family to Boston, Massachusetts.  Hortense has always loved her family.  All who knew her recognized that although she may not always have been outwardly demonstrative, there was nothing she wouldn't do or sacrifice for her family.

Although she was christened as an Anglican, Hortense later converted to Catholicism. She was a staunch believer in her faith.  When illness limited her access to the physical church, she continued to worship by watching services on the television.

After years of illness, Hortense passed away on January 2, 2025 at the age of 87.  She is survived by her son, Sylbert Stewart and wife Faye, her grandchildren, Cephie-Ann, Shon, Necha, Shanee, Andrew, Cadiea, Najee, and seven (7) great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Cortilda, Sarah, Maitland, Sonia and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Hortense will be greatly missed but her legacy will remain.