New U.S. citizen Marlene Brown had a great support system when she came to Rockland County, but now she is missing someone special.

Brown and 110 others took their oaths of citizenship at the naturalization ceremony in Pomona. Her sister Junie tragically died due to cancer on Wednesday.

“She took me in when I came to Rockland County. She was my ride and die. I wasn't from here and I wasn't familiar with the county. She would give up herself selflessly,” said Brown.

Brown’s son Ricardo said that his mother’s decision to stay in the U.S. led their family to find success in several ways, including their construction business.

“Leaving from Jamaica and coming here to the land of opportunity, she used her opportunity to be a businesswoman,” Ricardo described.

Brown believes her late sister would have been glad to hear that.

“She’s here in spirit, and I know that she’s happy for me.”