Solange Simon, who resided in Jamaica Estates, New York was suddenly taken from us on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at University of Maryland, Charles Medical Center after a massive blood clot. Born January 10, 1939, in Port- au- Prince Haiti, Solange was the fearless daughter of Marie Sonise and Pierre Horace.
Solange was educated both in Haiti and the United States. In Haiti Solange attended Lecole’ Coleman Boisson por Premier and Secondaire. Her character and temperament can best be demonstrated by her earlier years, when without hesitation she chose to leave her finance Julien Simon behind, to leave her home and country behind, to travel to Quebec, Canada to study nursing abroad. It was no surprise that this graceful, loving, compassionate and giving individual known by so many as “Mama” “Tante Soso”, would pursue a career in Nursing known for its caring attributes. She remained in Canada for three years completing her degree. Upon graduation, she returned to Haiti to marry her love – Julien Simon. Julien our Dad, Grandfather, and Uncle whose life we celebrated just two years ago, when he passed away.
Upon completing his law degree, Julien and Solange left Haiti for a better opportunity and headed to the United States. Julien landed a job on Wall Street while Solange landed a position at St. Johns Hospital, as an Operating Nurse, where she remained for more than 30 years before retiring.
Solange is survived by her five children, Nicole, Patrick, Max, Gerty and Michelle; Son-in-law Willy; Daughter-in-laws Colette and Glenny; her five grandchildren, Reggie, Ashley, Kyle, Jared, Jayden and Alexander; her Aunt Olga Alverez & Family, her Cousin-Sister Cerette and husband Dr. Antoine Charles and children Victor Junior and Casan and Christophe Stump and children; the Philosca Family, the Jean-Baptiste Family, the Bonhomme Family; the Simon Family, the Porsenna Family, and Dr. Bernie Lauredan.
This family and her role as mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, working Mom, and friend, was the most important thing to Solange. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with her family and friend was what Solange enjoyed most of all… that and shopping of course. Who can forget the various goods and merchandise sold at St. John’s Hospital, or the many trips to Europe to secure the latest jewelry designs! She knew exactly where to go in Manhattan if you were in need of handbags, scarves, perfumes or the latest fashion. She knew all the store merchants and how to bargain for the right price. It was a skill – her Haitian touch, passed down from her Mother. Solange loved traveling, and her photos display a life well lived and traveled. She ventured everywhere on plane and boat to witness the world first hand. From China to Istanbul, Greece to Paris, Italy to Morocco, Switzerland to Jerusalem, The Caribbean to East Coast she made friends and lasting memories along the way. She was a wonderful cook and host, always looking for a reason to invite folks over and made sure to keep a stocked kitchen cubbart. Solange ‘s life was met by many obstacles, overcoming breast cancer, managing Chromes disease, yet through it all, her love and caring nature remained her focus, and in so many ways, she was able to show that love to so many of us here today. You often learned about her help to those less fortunate, her traveling to tend to someone in need. She was religious – St Anthony was always by her side and she never missed her Wednesday mass in the city or Sunday service where we celebrate her today. During all her trips she never failed to visit the local church, purchase some religious artifact whilst saying a prayer for family and friends. Patience and perseverance are just two words that
come to mind in describing Solange who had an insatiable zest for life. Nurturing and memorable to all she encountered. I am struck by the countless number of people who have approached my siblings and I to state how our Mom was their Mom. That was her gift.. making you feel like she knew you for years and would be there for you within a moment’s notice. Actually, without fail she would!!
Solange was passionate about life, and things she loved and things she disliked. She sacrificed her needs for the good of others... regardless if you were family or a stranger she recently met. She had a quiet strength, and known as a woman before her time. A fearless individual, who stood up for others. Always supportive and encouraging; always wise and kind. She was our leader and our rock, taken way too soon.
We were lucky to have you Solange… I believe the deep intensity of the love she had for her entire family gave her the strength and determination to keep going. We all lost a piece of ourselves on that faithful December 1st day however; her light will always shine bright through all of us, when we look to the sky and see the brightest star, it will be a reminder that she lives within each of us. May we mirror her grace and kindness displayed to all she met.
We love and miss you Mom.
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