Armande Charles

A Celebration of the life of Amande Charles 

Armande Girard Charles of Elmont, New York passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on December 26th 2021 at the age of 97.

Born on April 29th, 1924 in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, she was the daughter of Fontenelle Girard and Frantz Maurasse. Accompanied by her mother, Armande left Guadeloupe at the age of 3, when they emigrated to Port-de-Paix, Haiti after the divorce of her parents.  She was raised by her mother and stepfather Colbert St-Cyr. She had four brothers-Guy, Hugues, Max and Cristian, whom she cherished. Armande was their beloved older sister.  

Armande spent most of her adolescent life in Port-de-Paix where she completed her primary and secondary education. She adopted Port-de-Paix as her hometown. When asked where she was from, Port-de-Paix was always her answer. 

 As a teenager, Armande was sent to Port-au-Prince to continue her schooling at " L'ecole Normale Superieure" where she was trained to become a school teacher. After her graduation, Armande returned to Port-de-Paix, where she met the love of her life, Paul Emile Charles (known by all as Paulo). Together, they had 4 children: Marie José, Ghislaine, Alix, and Myriam.

Armande was a devoted wife and mother. She followed her husband wherever his career took him. When Paulo was assigned to a position in Jeremie, the couple did not waste any time making friends. They found a true family in this romantic town. The couple were invited to and attended every party in town, where Armande graciously showed her love for dancing in the arms of her beloved Paulo. The two of them were truly made for each other.

After spending about 13 years in Jeremie, the family moved to Port-au-Prince where she continued her career as a teacher. She immigrated to the United States to establish a better life for the family, while Paulo continued his work in Haiti.

She lived a very humble life in the States working multiple jobs to provide for herself and her children in New York and in Haiti.

Armande had a great love for many things. As a young child, she enjoyed playing the piano. Later, she encouraged her grandchildren who shared her love of music.

It wasn’t until later in life that her children discovered her passion for sweets. There wasn’t a night that she went to bed without having a cup of ice cream or some cookies.

Armande was loved by all. She was a kind, pleasant, and loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was always actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren.They called her Memère and this name became the one mostly used to address her. Armande never had any unkind words for anyone or raised her voice. Whenever she was upset, she would stay quiet or just say OK. Described as a happy and fun soul, she was easy going and loved the company of her family. 

Memère was preceded in death by her husband Paul Emile Charles (Paulo), daughter Ghislaine Charles, brothers Max St-Cyr, Christian St-Cyr, her brother and sister in-laws-Victor and Laurence Charles and Martial and Henriette Pauyo  and her son-in-law Robert Bouillon, Sr. 

Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, Marie Jose Bouillon (née Charles), Alix Charles (Gisele Cavé), and Myriam Fontaine  (née Charles) (Jean Marie “aka” James Fontaine). 

Grandchildren: Nathalie Bouillon, Clara Bouillon, Robert Bouillon Jr., Dominique Bouillon, Jean Edouard Bouillon, Patrick Bouillon, Bertran Bouillon, Alix Charles Jr.,  Allan Charles, Coralina Charles, Phillipe Charles, Patrick Fontaine, and their spouses. 

Great-Grandchildren: Emily Bywater, Jeremy Bywater, Charlie Bouillon, Noah Bouillon, Jean Robert Reginald Bouillon, Maya Charles, Enzo Charles, Avanté Charles, Aaliyah Charles, Mikaël Charles, Isaiah Fontaine, Amaya Fontaine, and Alaiya Fontaine.

Siblings: Guy St-Cyr and Hugues St-Cyr 

Nieces and Nephews: Dr. Antoine Charles, Paul Charles; Frantz St-Cyr, Suzie St-Cyr, Michel St-Cyr, Michael St-Cyr, Joyce St-Cyr,  Rachelle St-Cyr, Hugues St-Cyr Jr., and Alain St-Cyr; Gilles Girard and Patrick Girard; and their respective families

Caregiver: Maria Staley

Heartfelt condolences to the Charles,Girard, St-Cyr, Maurasse, Bouillon, Fontaine, Cave, Kernizant, Elizée, Saintellie, Pauyo, Rheaume, Tremblay, Vion, and Cayemite families.

Memère, thank you for all you have done for us. We love you and will miss you.

Rest in peace, we will always have you in our hearts.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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