Obituary of Leonne Jean-Baptiste

Leonne Jean-Baptiste Bertil, affectionately called "Mother" by all, passed away on November 27, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Leonne was born on May 18, 1933, in Limbe, a commune of the Northern Department of Haiti. Her parents, Thelusma Jean-Baptiste and Marguerite Amardy welcomed Leonne, their second of five children. Her date of birth is a historical date as it commemorates the anniversary of the Haitian Flag’s adoption. Similarly, Leonne was all the flag represented. She was resilient, tenacious and formidable! Always eager to learn, she truly enjoyed her childhood and finished her educations at L'ecole des Soeurs of St Agnes in Limbe, Haiti. In her twenties, she met her beloved husband, Pierre Bertil, whom she would later marry and start a wonderful life with. They gave birth to four adorable, happy, and wonderful children, Marie-Joe, Nirva, Pierre Junior and Lilande. Family was important to her; providing for her family and ensuring they had all they needed to succeed was front of mind in all that she did. She not only worked as a seamstress, making wonderful garments which she sold at the local market, she also traveled throughout the Caribbean buying and selling goods to support her family. In 1969, her husband set forward in search of a better life in the United States. She remained incredibly devoted, while working to support, provide, and care for her four children. In 1980, she had to make the hardest decision a mother has to make, leaving her kids behind to join her husband in the US in quest of a better future for the family. She was later reunited with them where she and her husband raised them with great pride and accomplishments. Leonne, known by all the children as Grandma, worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years until she retired. She was a loving, hardworking, very supportive figure to her family, and everyone that crossed her path, benefited from her helping hands and great heart. She made it her mission to enrich and improve the lives of others. Behind the facade of stern demeanor was warm, caring and loving woman with an amazing sense of humor. She loved being in the kitchen and was a great cook, she entertained her family and friends by cooking for them, then sat down and watched them enjoy it. She also loves to sing Latin hymns. Shortly after her retirement, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. As the disease progressed, she moved in with her daughter and her son in law. Sadly, on Sunday, November 27, 2022, the Lord called upon her and we will truly miss her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thelusma and Armady and her loving husband, Pierre Bertil. She is survived by her Children: Marie-Joe, Nirav, Pierre Junior and Lilly; her grandchildren- Tracy, Wesley, Rasheed, Liana, Nelson, Jayda Lee and great grandchild Jayce; her siblings Edith Jean-Baptiste and Silvio Jean-Baptiste and Fritz Perceval; her nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.