Jeanine Pierre - Louis

Friends and family,
Today, I stand before you deeply honored to pay tribute to a remarkable person,
my beloved Auntie Jeanine Pierre-Louis Gedeon.
Auntie Jeanine was an extraordinary woman in every sense—fun-loving, graceful,
and incredibly generous. Throughout her nearly 85 years, she touched countless
lives, as evidenced by the many gathered here today. I would like to thank all of
you for coming especially those of you who came from out of town.
Reflecting on Auntie Jeanine’s life, I see her first and foremost as a devoted
spouse, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, friend, community servant,
and businesswoman. Her love for her late husband Pierre-Louis and her pride in
her children and grandchildren were constants throughout her life.
Born on May 12th, 1940, in St-Jean du Sud, Haiti, to Tilia and Celestine Gedeon,
Auntie Jeanine's journey was one of resilience and courage. She survived her
Husband: Pierre-Louis, Brothers: Bertrand and Emmanuel Gedeon, Sisters: Ila,
Lucia, Elise, and Imene Gedeon, Daughter: Marie-Lucie Ferere, Granddaughters:
Fabiola Rodriguez, Sybil Ferere, Great granddaughter: Honour Rodriguez, Sons in-
law: Marc Ferere and Eric Rodriguez.
In 1964, at just 24 years old, she bravely embarked on a quest for a better life in
America, surviving a traumatic boat journey that ended in the Bahamas. There, she
met Pierre-Louis, and together they established successful businesses in the
Bahamas and Miami, Florida.
Auntie Jeanine was the beacon of hope for our family—a modern-day Harriet
Tubman who facilitated the escape of loved ones from political persecution in
Haiti, ensuring their safe passage to America. Her vision and determination paved
the way for generations of us to achieve the American Dream, whether through
citizenship, professional success, or personal growth.
She embraced every role in her life with firm dedication, always striving to protect,
support, and uplift her family. Auntie Jeanine found her greatest joy in the
company of loved ones, weathering life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Beyond her roles, Auntie Jeanine was a cherished friend to many—a steadfast
presence always ready to offer advice, support, or simply a listening ear. Her
generosity and dependability earned her admiration and respect from all who knew
her.

As a businesswoman, she thrived in both the Freeport Grand-Bahamas and Miami
communities, leaving a permanent mark through her business spirit and dedication
to service.
Auntie Jeanine embodied integrity and a strong moral compass, teaching us the
value of hard work and perseverance. Her foresight and determination turned
opportunities into successes, inspiring us all to strive for excellence.
Today, as I stand here proudly in my retired U.S. Army uniform, surrounded by
lawyers, nurses, engineers, and countless others whose lives were shaped by
Auntie Jeanine's vision, I am reminded of her profound impact. She was a deeply
spiritual and sincere person, dedicated to her Catholic faith. Her strong connection
to God through prayer, worship, and attending Mass shows her commitment and
love for her beliefs. It was remarkable how her faith sustained her throughout her
life, and her ability to have intuitions and see things in dreams adds another layer
to her spiritual sensitivity. She was a true inspiration and a strong leader of faith
for those around her.
For the last five years of her life she had a beautiful and fulfilling last chapter,
surrounded by her granddaughters and family, (Fabiola and Sybil). Seeing her
granddaughter Fabiola in good hands with her grandson in law Eric and her great
granddaughter (Honour) being raised must have been such a precious experience
for her. And passing away surrounded by peace, love, prayer, and worship music
sounds like a peaceful and comforting transition. It's lovely to know that she had
such meaningful moments in her final years.
Auntie Jeanine, though we bid you farewell today, your story will never truly end.
Your legacy lives on through the lives you touched and the love you shared. We
will always remember you with deep respect, admiration, and love.
So, Auntie Jeanine, this is not goodbye, but rather a heartfelt "until we meet again."
You have left this world a better place through the beauty and strength of your
family—a legacy we will forever cherish.
Rest in peace, dear Auntie Jeanine. Written By Fritz Jean (2 July 2024)