Marie Sylvina Labbé

Born in La Vallée de Jacmel, Haiti, Marie Sylvina, affectionately known as “Man Ina”, was the beloved daughter of Iramnie Malique and Phararon Dimanche. One of seven children, she was shaped early by hardship and responsibility, developing a resilience and strength that would define her life. After her father's untimely passing, she and her sister, Inocia, courageously ran a small business to support themselves and their family.

In her late twenties, Sylvina married Gerome Labbé. Though their marriage was cut short by his passing after six years, she found profound purpose and fulfillment in raising her four children: Carmelie (Rose), Genita (Mamoune), Miadese, and Judith (Zette). A devoted and resourceful mother, she worked tirelessly, while tending gardens and raising livestock, to ensure her children were nurtured, educated, and well cared for.

In May 1989, at 58, Sylvina emigrated to the United States, settling in Queens, New York, where she lived with her younger sister, Inocia. There, she continued her lifelong role as a caregiver, lovingly helping to raise generations of grandnieces, grandnephews, and grandchildren. She cherished the outdoors and family outings, but her deepest joy was found in prayer and in the presence of those she loved.  In her later years, Sylvina faced health challenges with remarkable grace and quiet strength. Surrounded by love and under the devoted care of her daughter Judith, she passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026, at the age of 94.

She is survived by her brother Misius Malique and his wife Josiane; her four children, Carmelie and her husband Jonas Celestin; Genita and her husband Benito Estinfil; Miadese; and Judith; her seven grandchildren—Jacob Celestin, Pierre Celestin, John Steven Estinfil, Nathalie Estinfil, Phabiola Calixte, David Calixte, and Andelson Labbé; and her five great-grandchildren, Nala Calixte, Ariana Calixte, Kera Celestin, Alana Celestin, and Matovsky Calixte. She is also lovingly remembered by a vast extended family of nieces, nephews, and their children.

Man Ina’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie Sylvina Labbé, please visit our floral store.