Jeanne Nestor

Jeanne Nestor, 90, entered eternal rest on July 2, 2020, at Georgetown Hospital. Her final moments included her dancing and shaking each medical staff member’s hands. Though in the hospital for a week before her passing, these actions are reminiscent of her jovial spirit that we all knew and loved.

Jeanne was born on May 6, 1930, in La Vallée de Jacmel, Haiti to Anatha Boursiquot and Vienne Franck. She was the fourth of seven children. On September 8, 1955, she married Bernard Nestor, with whom she had six children. Jeanne owned and operated her own boutique in Carrefour until she migrated to the U.S. She was stunning, donning her signature red lips, earrings, and perfume.

In 1975, Jeanne immigrated to the United States where she joined her husband in the hopes of creating a better life for their children, a dream that they ultimately achieved. They settled in Maryland, where Jeanne later worked as a teacher’s aide at L’Ecole Française Internationale/Lycée Rochambeau in Bethesda and then Grosvenor for 10 years. She was the matriarch of the family and had a special bond with each of her children - she lived with Marie-Andrée, Jean-Robert took her to her doctor’s appointments, Jean-Bernard handled her finances, she vacationed with Joseph-Alix and Alcide, and Marie Alice indulged Jeanne in her love of beauty. She was also an endearing grand and great-grandmother, who never missed an opportunity to impart life lessons. Her long-standing lessons were “Fè ekonomi” and “Lavi a di, pa fè timoun ankò.”

Jeanne was direct and would tell someone “Se tripotay,” if she thought something was not worth discussing.

She was grace personified. At 90, she possessed unparalleled strength, always looking for a job opportunity. Her hobbies included cooking, cleaning, sewing, and gardening. Jeanne touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. She lived a great life and is at peace. After 30 years, she is now reunited with her husband.

Jeanne is survived by her older brother, Leon Franck, and younger siblings, Gaston and Gabriel Franck;

Her children: Jean-Robert (Solange) Marie-Andrée, Jean-Bernard (Judith) Marie-Alice, Joseph-Alix (Francisca), and Jean-Jacques Alcide (Marjorie);

Her grandchildren: Farah, Danny, Bruce, Bobby, Maxine, Stephanie, Alex, Reginald, Pascale, Christian, Cindy, Philip, Cassie, and Jason;

Her great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Soleil, Nathan, Isaiah, Shaniya, Aiden, Divine, Sebastian, Carter, Nyla, Ge’Marriah, Penelope, and Elijah.

She welcomed all and was the community grandmother. She spoke to everyone in Creole convinced that, Haitian or not, they understood. Her love transcended language, blood, and time.

Until next time, our beloved Jeanne.