Marie Christianne Dumorne

Our human minds are incapable of grasping a fraction of God’s plans for us, but we would be fools to deny the fact that Marie Christianne Dumorné was an original—a prototype from whom He fashioned generations of her descendants.  She loved unapologetically those children who had the great fortune of being in her presence. She was priceless.

Yaya—the moniker which her beloved great-grandchildren bestowed upon her—embodied unadulterated joy. Her sense of humor, though at times comically caustic, and her infectious laughter were legendary.

Yaya’s memory remained intact until she breathed her last. She was an encyclopedia of ancestral knowledge; listening to her real-life experiences was a graduate-level course in how to thrive in the face of adversity. She was the backbone of the family, the keeper of memories; the glue keeping it all together. She was resilient when everyone around her feared their own shadows. She was a God-fearing woman upon whose shoulders future generations will stand and blossom.

Christianne personified Haïti’s indestructible Mapou tree. You may cut it down, but its roots will push through the dirt or concrete, even steel. When a Mapou dies, an entire village weeps. We weep today, but also give thanks to God for allowing this amazing lady to be with us for one-hundred-three years, eleven months, and nine hours.

Yaya survived umpteenth  hurricanes, cyclones, blizzards, routine drama, but always kept her composure. She fell, but always landed on her feet. She was tested, but emerged stronger every time. She embodied patience and perseverance; she kept her eyes on The Lord, and taught us to do the same. We may never understand God’s plan for us, but He kept Yaya until she completed it with utmost grace.