Andrée Marie (Cessant) Michel

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Andrée Marie Michel, beloved mother, devoted wife, cherished sister, and dear friend, who peacefully left us on November 13, 2024, at the age of 87. Born in Anse-à-Veau on the southern coast of Haiti, Andrée was the eldest of six children to Alfonse Cessant and Fortulia Boucher. Throughout her life, she embraced the responsibility of being a loving sister and a guiding presence for her family.

Affectionately known by many names - Fortunette to her husband, Mommie to her children, Dadoune to her friends and extended family, and Grandmom or Grandmêre to her grandchildren - Andrée's life was defined by her unwavering love, wisdom, and devotion to those she held dear. A woman of deep faith and strong principles, she instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of education, discipline, respect, service to others and kindness.

Andrée was not only a cornerstone of the Michel family but also a pillar in her community, where her presence was always felt through her generosity, warmth, and commitment to nurturing others. Whether through her guidance, preparing a meal, infectious smile, or the quiet strength she radiated, Andrée touched the lives of many.

Andree’s educational journey began in Haiti, where she attended Les Souer du Bel-Air for primary school, followed by Foyer Familial for High School. Her dedication to academics was unwavering, consistently excelling at the top of her class, a passion for learning that she passed on to her children. She was a skilled seamstress, using her talents to support her family both in Haiti and later in the United States.  Andrée was also a proud member of the church choir at L’Eglise Saint Anne in Haiti. It was not uncommon to hear her beautiful voice filling the home, especially as she led her family in song during birthday celebrations. Her love for her family and her faith was evident in everything she did.

Andrée met the love of her life, Edner Michel, in Côté Plage, Haiti, and the couple married shortly thereafter in 1964. They embarked on a journey together that would span decades.  Ater starting a family, they decided to leave Haiti in order to provide better opportunities for their children.  This meant the sacrifice of being apart from family, friends and the country that they loved to step out on faith and start a new life in a foreign land. They were Initially separated by distance as Edner moved to the United States to secure opportunities as a skilled auto mechanic in advance of moving the entire family. While Edner settled in New York, Andrée remained in Haiti, raising their three eldest children, Jeannette, Jean-Claude, and Ricardo in Port-au-Prince, with great love and care. A few years later, Andrée and the children joined Edner in New York and subsequently moved to Philadelphia, where they welcomed their fourth child, Edner Jr., into the world. Together, they created a loving home, one that was a beacon of warmth, faith and hospitality.  Andree’s generosity knew no bounds—her door was always open, as evidenced by their welcoming many other families into their home to stay for extended periods of time when they were new to the country or just needed a place to stay.

Throughout her life in the United States, Andrée was a constant presence in her children’s lives. She made sure their needs were always met, whether it was a home-cooked meal waiting for them when they returned from school or sending a hot dinner to Edner at his auto repair shop on weekends. Through their formative years, Andrée maintained their home and worked as a domestic worker for elderly clients throughout Philadelphia. Only later, once the kids were in high school, did she work formally as a cleaner in the Environmental Services Department at Graduate Hospital.  She used her meager income to help take care of her children’s needs, and to also send money to her mother and family who remained in Haiti.  In her later years as a grandmother, she often spent time in Maryland lovingly taking care of ironing, laundry and cooking her Haitian dishes for her grandchildren.  She even spent an extended period of time in Maryland to help with providing comfort to and cooking for a young Haitian man and his cousin who spent 4 months living with her son’s family while undergoing several surgeries and rehabilitating from severe injuries suffered during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

A devout Catholic, Andrée was deeply involved in the faith and the life of her community. Along with her husband Edner, Mr. & Mrs., Joseph Cantave and Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Alexandre, she helped establish the Haitian Catholic Community Prayer Group in 1976, the first of its kind in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Through this group that hosted weekly worship meetings at their homes, followed by fellowship and refreshments, Andrée and her fellow founders united the Haitian Catholic community in Philadelphia, creating a spiritual home for a growing Haitian population.  As the group became more established, they organized trips to religious sites such as Jerusalem and participated in peaceful protests and demonstrations from New York to Washington, DC on behalf of Haitian rights and democracy.  She was an active member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church and later St. Francis de Sales, where she remained a dedicated parishioner throughout her life.

Andrée was married to Edner for 48 years until his passing in 2012. The loss of her daughter, Jeanette, in June 2023, was a sorrow that weighed heavily on her heart. Andrée’s most recent loss, the sudden passing of her youngest son, Edner Jr., in October 2024, has left a profound ache in the hearts of all who loved her.

Her life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of education, and the strength of community. She may have left this world, but her legacy of love, grace, sacrifice and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched and will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. She is survived by her children: Jean-Claude (Gertrude), Ricardo (Suleika); her siblings: Fritz, Jacques, Solange, Elsie; her grandchildren: Kiaira, NaeJean, Naijaa, Laila and Jadon; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

Family and friends will be received from 11 to 11:45am on Friday, December 6th, 2024 in her home church, St. Francis de Sales Church, 4625 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143. Mass for Andrée will be celebrated at 12pm on Friday in Church. Burial will follow in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. 

Andrée Marie Michel, rest in peace. May you be embraced in the arms of God, reunited with your beloved husband, Edner, daughter, Jeanette, and youngest son, Edner Jr..  Your memory will forever be a blessing.