Gislene Laforest

Gislene Leconte Laforest was born on June 11, 1941, and entered eternal life on March 29, 2026. Nicknamed Ghis. She was the daughter of Denise C. Dumerve (Tichou) and Aurel Leconte. From an early age she demonstrated her leadership and grace paired with a bright, determined mind. As the only child of Tichou she grew up surrounded by first cousins and school-age friends, forming the loyal, loving bonds that remained central throughout her life.

She attended primary school at Sacré-Cœur de Turgeau and then continued at Le Centre d ’études Secondaries (CES) in Port-au-Prince. A woman ahead of her time, she earned her law degree from the Faculté de Droit de Port-au-Prince in 1964 with an emphasis in civil justice, an achievement that reflected both her hardworking spirit and her deep commitment to advocacy and service. She later immigrated from her beloved Haiti to the United States seeking political asylum.

That same passion led her to marry the love of her life, Gerard Félix Laforest. They shared a deep concern for Haiti’s political well-being and, together with her mother Tichou, fought for the civil rights of Haitians. She went on to become a devoted mother to Régine and Félix, a proud grandmother to Soraya, and a loving mother-in-law to Tashanda and Hameed.

Gislene’s personal interests reflected her lively mind and generous heart. She retired as a New York City School Teacher after serving for several years as a Social Studies and French Teacher at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, NY and co-directing the SIFE program.

With her family, students, and community, Gislene brought a love of God to all she touched. She will be remembered for her brilliance, her steadfast faith, her elegance, and the way she lived her life. Her presence will be deeply missed and never replaced.

Visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, New York 11428, on April 17, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 115-50 221st St, Cambria Heights, NY 11411, on April 18, 2026, at 9:00 am.

The Committal Service will follow at Amityville Cemetery, 55 Harrison Ave, Amityville, NY 11701.