Obituary
Sunrise: November 11, 1931 – Sunset: May 31, 2024
Mathilde LaFleur “Grun, Ti Mat, Grun Tutoon, Coco”- With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mathilde LaFleur, affectionately known as “Grun, Ti Mat, Grun Tutoon, Coco,” who departed this life peacefully on May 31, 2024, at the age of 92 in Malden, Massachusetts. Born on November 11, 1931, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Mathilde lived a life rich in love, faith, and community service.
Mathilde faced early hardship when her mother passed away when she was two years old. She was her mother’s cherished only child and was adopted by her loving aunt and uncle. Mathilde honed her sewing skills at Les Soeurs de Carrefour, a trade school in Port-au-Prince, becoming a master seamstress. Her talents extended beyond her hands, as she was also fluent in Latin and loved to sing in the ancient language.
A testament to her hard-working spirit, Mathilde operated her own business as a vendor of fresh fruits and vegetables, often working long hours from 4 AM to 4 PM. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to hard work were admired by all who knew her.
Mathilde’s home was a place of safety and generosity. She was well known for her hospitality, always ensuring there was an extra plate at dinner for anyone in need. Her deep sense of community and compassion were endless. Mathilde met her lifelong partner, Alphonse Bernard, and together they built a loving family. Though she had seven biological children, her heart was vast, and she adopted many more over the years.
Her children remember her as being the greatest mom of all time, and her cooking was legendary. Mathilde was a beloved and respected figure in her neighborhood, known for her devotion to her Catholic faith, her impeccable style, and her love for jewelry and beauty. After Alphonse passed away in 1992, Mathilde took care of her children to ensure they had prosperous lives. Mathilde immigrated to the United States in 1997 to be with her children who relocated ahead of her. Continuing her legacy of care and community involvement, she became an active member of OurLady of Grace Church in Chelsea, MA, and cherished the joy of seeing her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild.
Mathilde is predeceased by her husband, Alphonse Bernard, and her son, Joseph C.Bernard. She is survived by her devoted children: Florence (LaFleur) Jean-Felix and husband Joseph Jean-Felix; Marie Yolene (Bernard) Moïse and late husband Yves Rodrigue Moïse; Josephine Bernard; Marie Annette Bernard; Jean Rochenel Bernard and wife Ketty Bernard; Islande (Bernard) Maignan and husband Henri Maignan.
She is the cherished grandmother of PJ (Jean-Felix) Lindsay and husband Reginald Lindsay, Williamson Jean-Felix, Carmelle (Jean-Felix) Cherestal and husband Ronald Cherestal, Junior Jean-Felix, Martin Jean-Felix, James Reginald Moïse and wife Hannah Moïse, Dorice Moïse Mirville and husband Milord Mirville, Laurie Moïse Sears and husband Horton Sears, Kers Anthony Lazarre and wife Flore Lazarre, Tracy-Jane Pierre, Rasheed Tromp, Kaelle Bernard, Kloè Bernard, Korey Bernard, Victoria “Toya” Maignan, and Angelica Maignan.
She is the treasured great-grandmother of Robyn (Harris) Gerty and husband Brandon Isom Gerty, Avery Harris, Rileigh Lindsay, Reagan Lindsay, Raimee Linsday, Kayla Cherestal, Chris Cherestal, Keturah Marly Cherestal, Krista Jean-Felix, Gaelle Jean-Felix, Ellah Lazarre, Leilah Lazarre, and Hugo Yves Moïse. Mathilde is the loving great-great-grandmother of Josiah Gerty.
Mathilde is also the precious cousin of The LaFleur and Ismè families, and the aunt of the Bastien Family. Beloved adopted mother to Marie Suze Bernard, Michaël Bernard, and Jean-Camy Bernard, Adeline Jean Jules and Frantz Lamarre. And a well-loved caregiver to many others.
Special Thanks
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital for their compassionate care, and to friends near and far for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Mathilde’s legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on in the hearts of all whoknew her.
In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation Here Support the Parkinson’s Foundation – Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/
To join visitation on Friday evening, you may join on zoom.
Meeting ID: 259 103 5817
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Repass
Anthony’s of Malden
105 Canal St, Malden, MA 02148