Jacqueline Raphael

In Loving Memory of Jacqueline Raphael

Jacqueline Raphael, lovingly known to many as Jacky or Jacotte, was born on January 11, 1934, in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, to the late René Raphael and Marie Destina Clara Sabbath-Raphael.

Jacqueline received her early education at Ste. Rose de Lima. After completing her studies, she married Antoine Joseph, and together they welcomed their beloved son, Prince Mario Yves Joseph. Jacqueline worked for the Haitian government as a stenographer in the fiscal department and later as a cosmetologist.

In 1967, she migrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Determined and hardworking, she provided private duty care before welcoming her daughter, Princess Shirley Raphael, in Brooklyn, NY, in 1968. By December 1971, she was able to bring her mother and son to join her in the U.S. In 1981, Jacqueline and her family moved to Queens, where she continued her career as a healthcare provider.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jacqueline cherished her family deeply—especially her granddaughter Princess Ashley Destina Raphael and great-granddaughter Destina Domond, her niece Danielle, and her deceased Claudy. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, guidance, and unwavering strength, which touched the lives of all who knew her.

Jacqueline’s strong Catholic faith was central to her life. As a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Cambria Heights, Queens, she attended services faithfully—often walking to church three times a day. When offered rides, she preferred to walk, believing it kept her strong.

In July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacqueline suffered her first stroke. Though her mobility slowed, she continued to practice her faith by attending services through Pitit Manman Mari on television. In May 2025, she suffered another stroke that greatly affected her health. On August 15, 2025, at 1:16 p.m., Jacqueline was called home to her Lord and Savior. She passed with her family surrounding her at home where she wanted to be. Her passing on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a profound and holy moment. That is a special day for the Catholic believer.

Jacqueline is survived by her son Mario, daughter Shirley, granddaughter Ashley, great-granddaughters Destina and Emonie, son-in-law, niece Danielle, and her husband Evans, great-nieces Majisha and Yasmine with her husband Wenshley, great-grandniece Camille, great-nieces Swamarha and Aminah, as well as numerous cousins and friends who became family throughout the years.

Her laughter, love, and faith will forever remain in our hearts.