Who is Marie Noelsine from Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn and what is their importance?

Sina: In order to understand Mama Lola's story, one must begin with the stories of her ancestors, Marie Noelsine (Sina) in particular. She is the mother of Philomise, and grandmother to Mama Lola. Sina is a strong woman who realizes the error of her ways too late, after becoming impregnated by Alphonse Macena, an untrustworthy man. She leaves the security of her family compound and builds her own house in a neighboring town. Macena finds her, but does not live for too much longer. Once he is gone, the beautiful Sina is courted by other men briefly, before she realizes that her path in life is to serve the spirits.