Marie Gertrude (Larose) Jean-Baptiste

Marie Gertrude Larose Jean-Baptiste carried many titles; she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Most importantly though, she was a servant of the Most High God. Born on July 16,1953 in Trouin, Haiti, she was the beloved first daughter of the late Jesula Stinvil and Jean Larose. She grew up in Port-au-Prince, where she also attended school. Later in life she would go on to obtain a career as a clothes merchant.

While residing in Haiti, she provided a warm and loving home, opening her doors to family, friends or anyone in need. There she lived with her eldest daughter Gloria Larose, along with her two grandchildren Junior St. Louis and Wisline Casimir. She also took a young child into her home, Ramona Jean-Baptiste and helped raise her as her own.

In 1987, Gertrude accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. She became an active member of Eglise de Dieu Rue Ducentre. She dedicated a lot of her time to prayer, fasting and meditating on the Word of God. She would also preach the good news of salvation. Gertrude got married shortly after her conversion. She met her husband, Maurice Jean-Baptiste in Duvalier-Ville, Haiti and they were married on July 29, 1991. They were blessed with one daughter, Jenny Desir. After getting married, Gertrude remained in Haiti while her husband resided in the U.S. with their daughter in order to provide a better life for the family. During this time Gertrude never lost faith, but remained steadfast in prayer, hopeful that she would one day reunite with them.

By God's grace, Gertrude was finally reunited with her husband to attend their daughter's wedding in the U.S. in May 2008. She returned to Haiti once more, but she came back in May 2012 to live happily with her husband in Maryland. Upon her relocation to the U.S., she became a member of the Holiness Church of God of Bethlehem. There she continued to persevere in God, showing the love of Christ to those around her. Overtime however, Gertrude fell very ill and was diagnosed with liver failure in 2019. She fought a tough battle with this disease during the last few years of her life. Despite seeking medical care along with the care and support of her loving husband and family, Gertrude succumbed to her illness on April 6, 2021.

Gertrude is survived by a large family. She leaves behind her husband, Maurice Jean-Baptiste; her youngest daughter and son in law, Jenny and Amaral Desir; her grandchildren, Wisline Casimir, Junior St.Louis, Amir, Jaina, Alayna and Marla Desir; her great grandchildren, Annabelle, Gabriel, Eli and Ellie St.Louis; her sisters, Magalie Joseph, Dieudone Estenfil, Monique, Janette, Eveline, Gloria and Marise Larose; her brothers, Jonas, Jespere, Jude, Daniel, Ernst, and Garodie Larose. She also leaves behind her nephews Jean-Cary Charles, Jean-Willy Emmanuel Carter Lucas with his family and many more nephews and nieces. Her departure has also impacted her in-laws, Micheline and Pradel Jn Pierre, the Nestor family, Yolette, Kevin, Marieanne Tita and Frantz Jean-Baptiste,. Finally, she will also be missed by those whom she impacted at L'eglise de Dieu de Saintete and L'eglise de Dieu rue Ducentre.

Although Gertrude is no longer with us, she will always be remembered as a remarkable woman. She was loving and compassionate. A faithful servant of God who fought the good fight, has finished the race, and kept the faith. She was truly a blessing to all who knew her.