Nicole R. Cochy

Rolande Nicole Cochy (affectionately known as "Nicole") went to be with her beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 29, 2023. She was 80 years old. Nicole was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend who lived a life of bold faith and dedicated service to God and  people. 

Nicole was born to Theodore Holly and Lucie Pressoir Holly in Cap-Haïten, Haïti on Thursday, August 27, 1942. She was the ninth of eleven children. Nicole's childhood was marked with both artistic and spiritual pursuits.  As a young girl, she took up painting, which led to various creative talents. At the tender age of 10, she gave her life to the Lord in a Methodist church. It wasn't a singular experience—she was forever changed, enjoying an intimate and impactful walk with her Savior throughout her life.

Her family eventually moved to Port-au-Prince and it was there she was introduced to a young, charismatic preacher named Jacques Cochy by a family friend. Jacques taught in the city's Christian seminary. Jacques’ and Nicole’s commitment to faith, values and an undeniable destiny to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ sparked a friendship, and an engagement to marry subsequently followed.

Nicole was an avid reader with a keen intelligence. She completed her nursing education in Deschapelles and embarked on a nursing career. Utilizing her skills and motivated by a passion to care for others, Nicole continued a career in healthcare in the United States. Her professional training and experiences in Haïti made her well-qualified to work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for an established private practice in New York. Nicole’s heart for service was well-loved and appreciated at the Bialystock Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center as well. She worked as a certified nurse's aide at this historic nursing home on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Named after a Polish city, it became a communal haven for Jewish immigrants. Nicole worked at Bialystock Nursing Home for over two decades.

Nicole and Jacques were married on May 8, 1971. They had three children: Frantz, Danielle, and Ernst, which they tirelessly trained in the word and admonition of the Lord. Her voice filled their home daily with songs from the Chants D'Esperance hymnal and the fervent prayers she prayed over her children.

Nicole was a woman who defied expectations time and time again. Known for her quiet demeanor and humble character, her self-determination, courage and unwavering faith resulted in a modest yet blessed life that surpassed limitations at every turn. 

She stood by the young, dynamic preacher-turned-pastor as they pioneered ministry life together, planting their own church, in Corona, Queens in the 1980s. Her intelligence and creativity rose to the occasion in quiet but significant entrepreneurial endeavors at L'eglise Rocher de Jacob (The Rock of Jacob Church). She used her stylish calligraphy to create prints of biblical passages for fundraising efforts, along with handmade dolls that she would sell. Keeping in step with her modest ways, she made much of her own clothing and occasionally made dresses for her daughter as well.

Nicole's life was filled with God and family. She was dedicated to her husband and equally committed to their church. They faithfully served the Haitian Christian community for over 40 years, defying expectations and offering instruction, love and practical care to those entrusted to them. She shared her love of Jesus with everyone she encountered, unabashedly and unapologetically. She passed on her deep love of Jewish culture and Jewish people to her children, instilling in them a profound respect for the heritage of her Messiah. Her influence on her children has fulfilled her greatest dream, to see them living their lives for Jesus as teachers, in pastoral ministry, and in service to His Kingdom.

Nicole is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Jacques; her children, Frantz, Danielle, and Ernst; her daughters-in-law, Makeetah and Lashan; her grandchildren, Misha-el, Omari, Elyssa, Sophia, Belquise, Eden, Ságe and Seph; her sisters Michelle Yanick Clodomir and Maud Edith Holly; her brother-in-law Gerard Clodomir Sr.; her sisters-in-law Elvire Holly and Marie Gardite Jean-Francois, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Lucie Holly, and her siblings: Samuel Holly, Ghislaine Berthe Thevenot, Gesner Paul Holly, Pierre Evonyme Jacques Jean-Francois, Reynolds Firmin Holly, Marie Denise Holly, Myrtha Holly and Nelly Simone Picard. 

Nicole will always be remembered for her love of Jesus and His people. Her husband will lovingly remember the countless ways she honored him and the sacrifices she made for their family and their ministry. He enjoyed their close friendship until the very end. He will miss their morning coffee together and teatime every night. Her children will cling to memories of her warmth, quick wit and hilarious sarcasm. The legacy of prayer she leaves behind will be the bedrock of her next generation. Nicole's grandchildren will fondly remember their "Mére Mére" and her constant desire to keep them well-fed, nourished by food and nourished by the Spirit.

They rise up and call her blessed.