Marie T. Pun

We mourn the passing of Marie Thérèse Leconte Pun, who left this world on October 23, 2024, at the age of 85, at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Born in Port au Prince, Haiti, to Antoine Leconte and Ruth Mars. Marie Thérèse was the cherished sister of Paulette Leconte and Gertha Mars. She married her first love, Rochefort Jean Pun, who adored her. Together, they raised five beloved children: Rochefort, George, Mario, Astrid, and Marlon.

In 1971, the family embarked on a journey to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in pursuit of the American dream. Marie Thérèse worked tirelessly in a bottling factory in Spring Valley, commuting several hours each day to help provide for their family of seven. They shared a modest two-bedroom apartment on Montgomery Street, just a block away from her sister Paulette and mother. During the week, her children spent time with their grandmother, eagerly anticipating weekends filled with her delicious meals and love.

Despite the challenges of navigating a new country, culture and language, Marie Thérèse and her family persevered with pride, focusing only on basic necessities. Their unwavering discipline enabled them to send their children to Catholic school, instilling a strong Christian foundation. Within five years, they saved enough to purchase a two-family home in Laurelton, Queens. Their home became a vibrant gathering place, transforming simple barbecues into joyous celebrations that brought together family and friends.

A talented chef and seamstress, Marie Thérèse was known for her deep faith in Jesus, which guided her through every challenge and joy. Encouraged by many to share her culinary talents, she began selling Haitian food from home. As demand grew, she opened Le Sommet Restaurant and Nightclub in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where clients with a discerning palate sought her remarkable dishes and cakes. Marie Thérèse was a formidable businesswoman, known for her keen ability to seal the deal. 

Her legacy of love and faith will endure through her family. She is survived by her beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Children: Rochefort Pun Jr. (spouse Tanya), George Pun (spouse Elia), Mario Pun, Astrid Fidelia, Marlon Pun (spouse Marjorie) 

Grandchildren: Clint Pun, Isabella Rivera, Tatyana Pun, Charley Fields, Alexander Pun, Georgia Santelli, Jannielle Exavier-Cole, Giovanni Exavier, Jasmin Pack, Jonathan Pack, Joshua Fidelia, Justin Fidelia, Marlon Pun Jr. and Mariah Pun 

Great-grandchildren: Keanna Iglesias, Selene Pun, Audrey Pun, Gene-Alexander Pun, Arien Rivera, Onyx Rivera, Saphire Pun, Emerald McFarlane 

Siblings: Dr. Frantz Leconte, Anthony Rene 

Aunt: Madeleine Mars 

Great Nieces, Nephews & Cousins: Vladimir, Ashley, Valencia, Florise, Sandra, Ramses, Kathleen, Anthony, Gregory, FarrahAnn and a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Marie Thérèse's humour and spirit will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her