Marie Bernade Caze

Marie Bernade Caze—affectionately known as Nad, Ti Nad, La Doyenne, Sœur Caze, Manman, Grandma Bernade, and “Gainma” by her brothers, spiritual family, children, and grandchildren—was born on January 10, 1938, in Jérémie, Haiti, to Christian Caze and Pauline Alexandre.

Bernade was raised and educated in Jérémie. At the age of 17, she pursued her passion for beauty by attending cosmetology school and opening her own beauty salon. She also had a deep love for fashion and studied fashion design. At 23, she followed another calling and trained in French culinary arts, excelling to the point that she began catering weddings and large social events.

In 1961, Bernade met the love of her life, Charles Fortune Simeus, and they were married in 1963. She was a devoted and loving wife, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend, and served as the matriarch and “glue” of her family. She supported her younger brothers’ education, committing to help them until they graduated.

Bernade was a devoted mother to five children. She welcomed her first son, Wilkingson Jean Pierre Simeus, followed by her second son, James Fortune Simeus. In 1966, the family moved to Port-au-Prince, where she later welcomed her third son, Neeck Simeus. Thrilled to have a daughter, she gave birth to Dean Chislene Simeus, and soon after welcomed her fifth child, Clifton Simeus. With complete family, she continued to work diligently to provide the best life possible for her children.

In 1983, Bernade migrated to Florida in pursuit of greater opportunities for her family. Determined to reunite her loved ones, she returned to school and earned her certification as a Nursing Assistant, working tirelessly to build a stable future.

In 1987, Bernade suffered the profound loss of her beloved husband, Charles F. Simeus. Though widowed, she found comfort in her faith and the promise from Jehovah that loved ones would one day be reunited. She was diligent in teaching her children about Jehovah, whom she recognized as the true God.

A deeply spiritual woman, Bernade dedicated her life to serving Jehovah. She symbolized her dedication through baptism on October 20, 1990, and soon began her faithful service as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Over the years, she had the privilege of serving numerous times as an Auxiliary Pioneer. She consistently placed Jehovah’s Kingdom first, engaging regularly in door-to-door ministry. She especially enjoyed conducting home Bible studies and helping many come to know Jehovah.

Bernade remained steadfast in her faith and integrity to Jehovah until her final breath. Her life was one of devotion, perseverance, love, and service, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. We are all waiting for your resurrection.

A visitation will be held at Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home, located at 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL, 32909, on January 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses--Bayside & Palm Bay South, 8765 Babcock St SE, Palm Bay, FL, 32909, on January 10, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

The graveside service will take place at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7303 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL, 32909, on January 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.