Filozane Mardi Charles

Filozane Mardi Charles, died on the morning of Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. She was 95.

Filozane, or ‘Bibi’ as she was called by her family, was born on Friday, March 23, 1923 in Jacmel, Haiti to Philocles Mardi and Ismerzin Lambert.  A true ‘daddy’s girl’ Filozane would fondly share stories about her childhood and the time she spent with her father and six siblings.

An entrepreneur, Filozane, spent much of her adult life selling merchandise throughout Haiti. Her business acumen helped support her family and the dreams of her children. Her drive, determination and view that she should be an equal partner in her marriage left an indelible impact on her daughters and granddaughters.

Following the sudden passing of her much beloved husband Julian Charles, Filozane would later start a new chapter of her life in the United States where she lived with her youngest daughter, Marie Jocelyne and her family. While in the United States, Filozane learned that she didn’t like some American things like snow or pizza, but did enjoy others like mashed potatoes and French fries. She also reveled in spoiling her granddaughters.

Her new life in American centered on her family and faith. She looked forward every week to attending services at L’Eglise Baptiste du Calvaire.

Filozane will be remembered for her generosity, her willingness to sacrifice for her family, her sense of humor and her sharp sense of style.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brothers Charlteus and Marcel Mardi and sisters Iliana, Gertrude, Germaine, and Ismejeanne Mardi.

She is survived and greatly missed by her children Marie Maude Etienne, Wilson Charles, Dieupuissant Jean Charles, Marie Jocelyne Rochelin, their spouses and her grandchildren Virdina, Naomi, Juliana, Sandy, Djekens, and Beverly.