Fernande Payen

Fernande Payen was born on May 8, 1927 in Lavalle De Jacmel to Excellent and Nellie Payen. She was the 7th of ten children. Fernande attended the Ecole Saint Paul Filles De Marie. After teaching in Lavelle for a while she then moved to Port Au Prince where she worked at the Bazar Nationale. Fernande came to the United States in search of a better life, where she was later joined by her sister Stephanie.

Fernande lived with her sister Stephanie, together they raised Michou, Stephanie's only daughter. Fernande loved gardening, embroidery, crocheting, crossword puzzles and of course making her famous Shepard's Pie.

Although Fernande did not have biological children of her own, she was mother and godmother "Marainne" to at least one of each of her sibling's children. Fernande was particularly helpful raising Jean-Robert and John. She was also influential in helping Michou raise her children Cindy, Charles and her grandniece Marley.

Fernande is survived by one sister, Nelia and one brother Jean and countless nieces and nephews. In life Fernande and Stephanie were never apart and they are still together in death.

May both rest in peace.