Each day since Celeste's passing, as I move through different rooms in my home, I recall her kindness, generosity and intelligent spirit when looking or touching the wonderful gifts she brought on her summer visits. Her beauty, warm laugh and conversations will remain with me until the end.

I had not seen Dr. Jacque in several years and I was calling to schedule an appointment when I found out that she died. So sorry for her family. She was a wonderful intelligent doctor.

My son was a patient of Dr. Jacque for several years until he was entered into a group work program.  We  were talking about her today and was shocked to learn of her passing.  We were going to surprise her with a call from him when I read the news of her passing.  He really liked her and my late Husband and I loved the way she made him feel at ease in talking with her.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to her family and friends.   She’s now an Angel up above.   May she rest in peace.  The family of Anthony Richardson who was in H.S. when she treated him and is now 41.


Celeste was my friend for the past thirty years. She was a powerhouse, a healer and one of those individuals whose integrity speaks for itself. She always showed up for me. I feel privileged to have been her friend and to have spent some very happy times with her when we were very young. Wherever Celeste’s energy is, it is shining bright.


It is with the utmost sadness that I write these lines.  I had texted Celeste over the last several weeks and received no response.  I feared she had passed. 

Celeste and I became friends when she came to Martha's Vineyard for a yearly summer psychiatric conference.  She stayed with me cementing many hours of conversation about our work and friendship. My home is graced with beautiful art and objects that she gifted me with along with her friendship. Like for so many, the loss of her presence is inestimable. Shine on Celeste. . .I will see you gleaming from the night sky.

Just now I learned of Celeste's passing.  We were colleagues for a few years.  I'm shocked.  I looked her up to posssibly collaborate in Newark.  Good-bye, Celeste.  With Great respect, affection, and sadness,  Bob Emerick, LCSW 

My how the months have passed. I just learned of Dr. Celeste passing today through a mutual friend. I have known her for a long time and have also been impressed with her compassion, intelligence and dedication to her son. God bless her and the whole family.

I've known Celeste since our days at Woodhull and today I was shocked to find out about her passing. Celeste and I have been friends for so long. I don't know how to express my grief. My condolences go out to Tristan, the Jacques family an the deFontany family.

I just found out about Dr. Jacque's passing today and I am very shocked and saddened.   She has been my doctor for a number of years. I always appreciated how well she listened to everything I had to say in my sessions and showed genuine concern.  I always came away feeling better about myself because I felt validated and understood by Dr. Jacque. I pray that God will comfort and give peace to her family now and in the months ahead as they try to move forward with their lives without her. She will be missed. May God bless her family at this difficult time.  Cindy Wheeler

I’m so saddened to learn of Dr. Jacque’s passing.  She was a lovely woman and a trusted confidant and I will miss her words of wisdom.  

I was a long-time patient of hers, and I am crushed to hear this. Dr. Jacque was a fantastic doctor, and helped me a great deal in my life. She is irreplacable. Sending love and light to her family and friends. May her memory be a blessing.

As we think of those today who were once a part of our lives, my son and I think of Dr. Jacque with the warmest of memories. Based on our professional relationship, we shared the most of our lives with her. During that 19 years, however, it was clear how much her son meant to her...conveyed with the fewest of words on her part and our mutual understanding. We are moving forward and keeping her in our hearts and minds! 

I am so very sad to learn today of the loss of such a beautiful person. I first met Dr. Jacque over 30 years ago when we performed varying roles working at the Children's Aid Society in NYC. We became quick friends. Our sons were very close in age and as such we exchanged recreational activities, celebrated the boys birthdays together and oftentimes celebrated other special events.

As roles changed, life demands shifted,  though always close to my heart, our times together was less frequent.It is ironic that the location where we last met and shared Sunday brunch a few years ago was exactly where I learned of Celeste passing earlier today. The amazing team member who gingerly shared the news with me was also extremely sensitive to the significant shocking pain that I experienced and offered to hug this total stranger; it really mattered. Thanks Claire for being an extension of Celeste's genuine sweetness.
And as I pondered walking away, I shared with Claire my compelling desire to call Celeste,  it made it very real for me.

And so I say a prayer today, a very special prayer for her Dear Son Tristan. Tristan, you were everything for your mom. Hold her love dearly in your heart. She wanted nothing less than the very best for you.

And Celeste, my friend, I pray that your soul is at peace in the arms of a loving God; sweet peace🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊️💞


Dr Jacque was a kind and compassionate woman. I was her patient for many years, and when my children needed her services, she took them into her practice as well. I will miss her smile and her professionalism. My condolences go out to her family, friends & colleagues. I pray that your find memories of her help carry you through your grief.

Celeste was a compassionate and well versed Dr.   Her passing was a shock to me as I just heard the terrible news today.  My heartfelt sympathy goes to her loved ones.  

In contacting the office today to retrieve my records, I learned that Dr. Jacque had over 1,000 patients.  Not surprising, however, considering the person and professional she was.

Dr. Jacque had been my psychiatrist for 30 years.  Words cannot describe the impact she had on my life.  In seeking to continue to my care, I know that no matter how good the treatment, it will never rise to the bar of excellence resonated by Dr. Jacque, resonance that shown through in her interactions with me and all of her patients.  She brought to her medical office a high degree of professionalism tempered by the humanity that she expressed through her words of empathy, her sense of caring, and her genuine concern for the positive mental health of her patients.

Her loss has not only left a void in the medical profession, but in society as well.  The impact she made on so many people is irreplaceable. 

Dr Jacque was my pysch doctor for many, many years.  She was always tough, but understanding.  She will be missed and I wish her family the very best. 

I first met Celeste in 2015 and then had the pleasure to meet her again in 2019 when we were office neighbors. I have fond memories of my times with Celeste-thrift store shopping on our way home from work, her introducing me to what is now my favorite Indian restaurant. On another note, I was surprised when I learned she was attending the church I grew up in. 

I miss her generosity of spirit, frankness, being able to count on her, and the laughs we shared. She was a fashionista and elegant in word and deed. 

I miss her now and will never forget her. 

Celeste will be greatly missed.  What a pleasure to work with.   On a personal note, I will treasure her stories of living in Rochester and performing at the Apollo.  
Condolences to her family and loved ones. .  

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Dr. Jacque was a true life saver in our family for our son Richard who is disabled. She was always kind, patient and understanding with him and helped him tremendously at a very difficult time in his and our lives. She will always be remembered with the most genuine thanks from our family. May God bless.

My heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time.  Please accept my condolences and prayers.
Dr. Jacque was a blessing who will be missed. I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing such a beautiful, wonderful, impactful woman and soul. May she rest in peace.


Sorry for your loss. Dr. Jacque was an extraordinary clinician. She always put veterans first and always made time even when she was not feeling too well.  She will be missed. It was a pleasure working with her. Praying for peace for family and friends. God bless this family and take care of their mind and body that surpasses our understanding.

 
 

As a physician and healer of the sick, she was the ultimate professional. Celeste was a humane, empathic doctor and cared for her patients. I will miss her dearly as a colleague and our many conferences and talks about patients’ wellbeing.
Rest well and good karma to her family at this time!
Olc

I have had the privilege to work with Celeste at the VA for over 10 years. Celeste was a wonderful clinician and she will missed by the veterans she cared for and the telehealth staff that worked with her in NY. She was such a lovely person whom I have admired for her grace and resilience. Her memory will continue to be carried on the many ways that she taught and touched us.  My deepest condolences to her family.

Dr. Jacque’s smile was always a positive motivator for us all 
The Pirozzi Family 

I am a Clinical Psychologist who collaborated off and on for the past 10 years with Dr. Celeste Jacque. Her part time location in NW Morris/Sussex Counties allowed an underserved community access to her superb clinical and medical skills. We had numerous shared patients and she treated personal friends of mine too. I never hesitated to refer to her, feeling confident in her compassion and abilities. Her loss is a great sadness to all who crossed paths with her in the mental health world. My deepest condolences to her patients, family, peers and loved ones. Here’s to a great doctor and a great woman!

My condolences to the Jacque family. May God give you peace and comfort you during this time. I had the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Jacque at Straight and Narrow and later became friends. She was a beautiful soul inside and out. I will remember and cherish our Sunday brunch days. She will be missed and forever be in my thoughts. 
Ruth Jean-Marie 

Celeste will be remembered in my prayers and at Mass tomorrow.
While I never met her, I heard very good things about her from staff people at Straight and Narrow.   

Fr. Ed Reading
Member of the Board of Directors
Catholic Charities/Straight and Narrow

Thank you for being such a kind and thoughtful doctor. You will be sadly missed. I truly appreciate all you did for me. 


Anthony Cali




So sorry for your loss . She will be deeply missed by the medical community and patients she served as a devoted physician as well. May she rest in peace. 


The entire Pirozzi family is so heartbroken and sad by the passing of a dear family friend and colleague. She was such a wonderful professional that truly cared for all her patients and the staff that worked with her. 
She will truly be missed by us all 
Love 
The Pirozzi Family 
Sam Pirozzi 


Dr. Jacque was a wonderful and caring psychiatrist who was highly admired by her colleagues at the Manhattan VA  and tremendously appreciated by her patients.

We are so very sorry to have lost her.  She will be remembered.

Adam Wolkin,
on behalf of the psychiatry staff at the Manhattan VA

OBITUARY

Celeste A. B. Defontenay-Jacque

8 December, 1952 – 7 March, 2023

LaMonica Memorial Home

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