Marie Renande Jean-Felix

Nande was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on October 18, 1943 to Fortune Charles and Seran Perodin. In Haiti, she did her primary studies at the school Republic of Chile and completed her studies at College Elie Dubois. Looking for better opportunities, her family supported Nande in leaving Haiti and moving to New York in 1963. There, her first job was at a factory, but she always envisioned herself as doing more. She then got a better job working in a bank. During her time in New York she met her husband of 57 years, Henriquez Jean-Felix. They were married on March 26, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York. A year after, they had their first-born child, Carleen and two years later, had their second child, Diane. Additionally, she and her husband blessed their family by bringing their nephews, Max and Scottie into the fold and raising them from infancy as their own; two siblings became four. Despite her growing family and responsibilities, Nande was adamant about continuing her education and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from City University of New York and later a master’s degree from Long Island University. Nande worked diligently to manage work, study, and family as she knew that those sacrifices would greatly benefit her family. With her degrees in hand, Nande worked as an elementary school teacher for New York City Schools for over 30 years. She was a leader and a master in her field and was well regarded by all her co-workers. She was always a fighter for what she believed was right and a staunch advocate for the families she served, ensuring that her students received the best education possible. Mrs. Jean-Felix was a no-nonsense, fair, and well-respected teacher and carried these same values into her personal life. Nande loved her family and friends. She had a big heart and always wanted the best for those around her. Her home was always open to whomever needed her support and many family members lived there and/or passed through for periods at a time as her home was often a transitioning spot for those immigrating from Haiti. She also loved to host gatherings with her family and friends because she loved having them around her and spending time with them. During these times they were lucky to experience Nande’s joie de vivre, sharp mind, and witty sense of humor. To know Nande is to know that her family was always her priority. As the matriarch of the family, she worked hard to ensure that she was a model of success for them, instilling in them the understanding that they could reach whatever goals they strove to achieve. She was never short of step-by-step advice on what they should do to be the best versions of themselves. Nande, Tante Nande, Mommy Nande, and mom as she was affectionately known, was a force in the lives of those who had the privilege to be around her. To speak to her was to feel her kind heart and her sincere affection. She was a beautiful soul who continually strove to make the world around her a little better for herself and her loved ones. She succeeded and she can now rest in peace.

Nande is preceded in death by her Mother: Fortune Charles, Father: Seran Perodin, Aunts: Claire Perodin Target, Laure Perodin Beranger, Lilia Perodin, Maria Perodin, Ornelie Perodin Jean-Francois, Uncles: Hector Perodin, Lucien Perodin, Marcelin Perodin, Siblings: Liliane Perodin Tippenhauer, Ernest Perodin, Lelio Perodin, Denise Perodin, Raoul Perodin, Luce Perodin Audain, Raymonde Perodin, Paulette Perodin Bonny, and Roger Perodin, and Nephews: Mario Gilbert, Mario Perodin, and Reynald Perodin.

Nande is survived by her Spouse: Henriquez Jean-Felix, Children: Carleen Jean-Felix, Diane Jean-Felix, Max Celestin, and Scottie Celestin, Sister: Alourdes Andre, Grandchild: Alexis Gratia, and Nieces and Nephews: Chantal Jeng, Lucy Celestin, Emeline Louis-Jacques, Steven South, Lodz Tippenhauer Keohane, Lucerne Tippenhauer Van Kesteren, Frantze Tippenhauer Nell, Henns Tippenhauer, Eddy Perodin, Emlyne Perodin Stinfil, Ernst Perodin, Roldly Millet, Marylynn Millet, Mari Gabrielle Millet, Frantz Perodin, Jeralde Audain Rowe, Sandrah Perodin, Lesly Perodin, Rolldly Marie Osselyn Blot, Gardy Blot, and the 3 children of Raoul Perodin, as well as, many other remaining cousins and extended family.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all Nande’s family and friends who have loved and supported her throughout the years. Her life was made better for it. We also want to thank all of you who have reached out to us and are here for us during this challenging time.

LIvestream:

https://www.homegoingmemories.com