Kalicharan Mas co-founder Wendy Kalicharan, 76, passed away peacefully at her home around 1.30 pm on May 8 with her daughter Ayanna Kalicharan-Mahase at her side.

Kalicharan-Mahase told Newsday her mother was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2020 and was undergoing treatment. She said her mother received chemotherapy in December 2024 and radiation in February 2025.

"We're coping. I mean, she did have a long battle, she fought really hard, she did everything that everyone suggested that would help."