Fanny Kelly

Marie Eugenie Fanny Kelly, lovingly known as “Mama Nouche” , was born on July 10, 1914, to Nester Michel and Melanie Nazon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was one of five children. She attended Ecole Elie Dubois, an all-girls secondary school, where her passion for sewing, baking, and other culinary skills were born. As a young girl she demonstrated faith in Christianity by participating in many church activities such as singing in the church choir and volunteering.

In 1944, she met Lucien Kelly and together they had four beautiful children Maud, Harry, Marise, and Maguy. Both Fanny and Lucien valued hard work and dedication; as a result, they were blessed with the ability to provide the absolute best not only for their own biological children, but other family members that she raised as her own, Lucienne and Yvrose. Faith, education, sophistication and the love for family were key attributes she instilled in her children. She was very loving, but didn’t play games when it came to education. She encouraged her children to use their talents, reach beyond the stars, learn new things, and keep your minds sharp. She exhibited these attributes through her entrepreneurial spirit. She would sew beautiful clothes and bake goods to sell to people in the community.

In 1970, she traveled back and forth from Haiti to New York City to visit family and friends. She took a job in America as a factory worker to continue to help her children build their lives. She even took classes to further develop her baking skills and that is how she learned to bake and decorate elaborate wedding cakes and delicious pastries. She sold them to many in the growing Haitian population in New York. Once she had grandchildren, she decided to sow roots in America, another example of her selfless dedication to her family. She helped raise and support her grandchildren.

Mama Nouche was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, godmother, and grandmother to all. She enjoyed cooking and literally break bread with many. She was giving and believed that if she was blessed it was her duty to bless those around her with whatever she had. She loved to laugh and tell funny stories. Her smile and spirit could light up any room. She was the epitome of a saint and a prayer warrior. She prayed for all every single day. She would wake up early every morning to watch a mass that was taking place in France. She encouraged others to believe and trust in the work of the Lord even in her final days.

Mama Nouche went to be with the Lord our Father, on Sunday, June 20, 2021. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son Harry, her daughter Marise, her goddaughter Eurane, her niece Lucienne, twelve grandchildren: Karen, Danielle, Kiese, Gerald, Titi, Michael, Rosie, George, JP, Jayne, Rica and Hugues. A host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Her legacy and spirit shine bright through each of us. Let us honor her by being faithful servants of the Lord, love family unconditionally, walk with integrity, bless those around you, and always walk in style and grace.