Elsie A. Julien

We will certainly miss this God fearing, formidable, independent, free spirited, often feisty personality, remarkable and fashionable lady who took any opportunity to show off her singing and dancing skills. Elsie Julien had an unwavering love for God and spent many hours devoted in prayer. It helped shape who she became as a kind, compassionate, empathetic, and joyful individual. She fiercely believed that “it doesn’t take much to be kind to each other,” and it was a guiding principal in her life.

Elsie Agnes Julien who was affectionately known as “Aunty Elsie or Ms. Julien” to many transitioned on December 5th, 2024. She was born in Roseau, Dominica to Clarita and Joseph Julien on December 26th, 1932 and the fifth of six children born to Clarita and Joseph Julien. She attended Mother Borgia’s primary school (St. Mary’s Primary) as a child and then Convent High school. Before migrating to the United States, she worked in Public Service for the government of Dominica. She immigrated to New York in the 1970’s and fell in love with the big apple which became her second home. She continued her journey in the world of work by securing a position with Chase Bank where she worked through her late seventies. Aunt Elsie showed commitment, dedication and integrity in her work ethic. In New York, she built a life filled with purpose, love and community.

Elsie Julien was a devout Christian and her faith was the cornerstone of her being. She embodied the values of selflessness and always put others before herself. With a heart of gold, Aunt Elsie had a special gift for making everyone feel seen and loved. She would donate to the less fortunate and would shower the people providing service with yearly tokens to express her appreciation for the work that they performed. Her kindness knew no bounds and her spirit was contagious.

Aunt Elsie’s passions were numerous. She had a true affinity for classic fashion and it was evident in her impeccable style and numerous hats. Gardening was her most cherished passion. She was an avid gardener and had a knack for making plants and flowers grow. Aunt Elsie would spend hours in the garden weeding or tending to her flowers and plants. In the summer you could find her knee deep cultivating her cherished tomatoes, peppers and other herbs. She delighted in Broadway shows and dinner parties where her warmth and joy showed. Daily exercise and movement was extremely important to her. She was a staunch advocate for walking. She would often talk about her days working in Manhattan and having to walk many blocks to her destination. On her stays in Dominica, she enjoyed walking from Roseau to Kingshill. Even at ninety-one, she would go walking with her trusted companion Yoshi who would take the lead trampling quickly on his four hind legs.

Although she wasn’t one for domesticity, her Thanksgiving feasts were legendry with her signature eggplant parmesan being the family favorite. Our fondest memories are the ones in which she danced like no one was watching. Her shoulder bounce and waist movement from side to side was the confidence she needed to dance fearlessly. Her love for dancing was contagious, and she brought joy to all who knew her. It was a pleasure to hear her sing happy birthday in the most boisterous tone.

Aunt Elsie was a pioneer in healthy living and an enthusiastic reader of health articles. She was her own herbalist and relished in drinking vegetable and fruit smoothies daily. Elsie green juiced long before it became mainstream. Her staunch belief in the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle contributed to her longevity and energetic spirit. In addition, she believed in positive affirmations in which she would regularly chant that she was “strong, healthy, loved and blessed.”

Besides her feisty personality, wherever Aunt Elsie went, she spread joy and kindness. Her brother, nieces, grand nieces, nephews, grand nephews, god children, in laws, extended family members, Yoshi, her neighbors, adopted individuals, and trusted friends adored her. Little kids were drawn to her peaceful and happy aura. Today we say thank you Aunty Elsie for being such a stalwart supporter for our family. We give God all praise and glory for the mercies he has shown us during this difficult time. Elsie Agnes Julien leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories and friends and family that will deeply miss her. Her impact on our lives will be felt for generations to come.

Elsie leaves to mourn her brother Bernard Julien, members of Julien family and their extended families, numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grandnephew, godchildren, cousins, neighbors, friends and relatives both in Dominica and overseas