Cilia Loriston

MAY 25TH, 1925 – SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2012

Cilia Loriston was born May 25, 1925 in Cayonne Latortue, Haiti to Saintilia Similien and Sailor Samuel Loriston. The 2nd child of her parents’ children, Cilia was always surrounded by love. On September 11, 1974, Cilia entered the United States with the hopes of starting a better life for herself and her family. She was a dedicated member of Fraternity Baptist Church. Every Sunday, she was adamant in getting to her Sunday school class on time. Every Sunday afternoon she would work out her transportation for the next Sunday. Yes, the next Sunday. And every Sunday, she would dress up with her famous church hats, matching dresses, and shoes.

Despite her inability to drive, she was always there for her family in times of need and bounteous joy. She never ceased advising the young, correcting the elders, and mediating rivalries amongst brothers, sisters, and cousins. Her presence was certain for over 100+ baptisms, weddings, birthday parties, graduations, and funerals. Neither one her relatives, young or old, can ever say that she did not love her family. With every visit, with every phone call, she would always part with an “I love you.”

As time passed, our beloved Cilia Loriston fell ill due to extraneous circumstances. Although her illness slowly took her ability to travel away, her presence with her family never ceased. She remained in contact with over 250 children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and more. If you were ever in outs with the family, calling Cilia was the wisest and best way to reconnect. She knew all there was to know about every person in the family.

May 25, 2011, Cilia’s entire family celebrated her 86th birthday with her. That day was the 2nd best day of her life. See, she had only two passions in her life, her family and Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. Tuesday, September 11, 2012 marks the 1st best day of her life. That is the day that we mourn the loss of a great woman, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and friend. Despite the lost, there was great gain. September 11, 2012 marks the day that her physical pain ended and she left this world to live eternally with her God.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Melida Vincent, Abner Joseph, Pastor Madeleine Lauriston Joseph, Benjamin Lauriston, Charles Lauriston, Liliane Louis, and Marise Loriston. Her sons and daughters in law: Abner Joseph, Helen Lauriston, Mariolaine Lauriston, Pastor Colins Louis, Tyrone Black. Her grandchildren: Carida, Cilia, Derilien, Enverdieu, Florida, Gedeon, Rilais, Robinson, and Sainte Anne Vincent; Melida Joseph; Ludrick, Keith, and Beverly Joseph; Aaron, Benji, Cilianie Lauriston; Charlaine, Yancey, Kimberly Lauriston; Yveline, Yrva, Jimmy, Keesha, Styven, Yvens Louis; Emmanuel, Tanya, Tatyanna Black-Loriston. And her sisters: Mrs. Robert Geline (born Saintalize Loriston) and Clara Loriston. And all her relatives (listed in program)