Michaelle Desgrottes

She was the first born to Lysane and Etienne Desgrottes, the eldest of their six children.

Like many Caribbean born natives in search of better opportunities, she migrated to New York City as a young woman in her early twenties.

After settling in Brooklyn, she landed a position as a translator in 1976 with a private company, World Translation Services, in Manhattan. Her mastery of English, French and Creole combined with her strong work ethic was quickly recognized by the company's CEO. They would go on to work together for over 25 years, and were close friends.

As her professional life blossomed, so did her personal life. In 1979, she married her longtime beau, Raynald Paraison. Four years later, she would give birth to her one and only daughter, Melissa.

In early 2024, ever the dedicated mother and grandmother, she made the tough decision to leave her beloved New York City, to join her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in Georgia. Sadly, this is where she would lose her nine month battle to gastric cancer.

Michaelle is survived by her daughter, Melissa, grandson, Elijah, and her four younger siblings, Harry-Robert, Charles-Edouard, Lesly and Nancy.

She will be remembered for her love of French music, soap operas like General Hospital, and basketball. She was the biggest Knicks fan you would ever meet.

Most notably, she will be remembered for her love of people. The family and friends to whom she dedicated her life, but also to strangers in need; evident through her generous charitable contributions to countless non-profit organizations.

Michaelle lived a life defined by the virtues she held most dear: hope, faith and charity.

May her sweet soul find eternal rest in the arms of the Lord and his angels.

A visitation for Michaelle will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224 39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 9296 220th St, Queens Village, NY 11428. A cremation will occur Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at All Souls Chapel and Crematory, 72-02 Astoria Blvd S, East Elmhurst, NY 11370.