Alicia Marie Jean-Baptiste

Alicia Marie Jean-Baptiste had many roles throughout her life: devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother and friend. Born on May 6, 1941, in Jacmel, Haiti, Alicia lived a vibrant and impactful life. As a young woman, she was a true trendsetter, embracing bold hairstyles, bell bottoms, platform shoes, and the latest fashions. Alicia was, simply put, that girl.

Beyond her style and charisma, Alicia was hardworking and dedicated. She worked at Régie du Tabac, a cigarette factory in Haiti, until immigrating to the United States in 1982. While building her career, she welcomed her son, Yvel Antoine Jean-Baptiste, in 1972, and married her life partner, Fritz Charles, in 1982 before relocating to the U.S.

Alicia’s journey to the United States was made possible by her older brother, Marc Jean-Baptiste, who petitioned for her immigration. She later found employment as a housekeeper at Friedwald Center, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 2007. In her later years, she devoted herself to raising her granddaughter, Katie Claire Jean-Baptiste and witnessed the next generation in the birth of Katie’s daughter, her great granddaughter, Melanie. She also remained a loving presence in the life of her granddaughter Jovanne Jean-Baptiste, who resides in Haiti.

She found joy in cooking and sharing meals with others. Her home was always open, and she generously fed Spring Valley cab drivers, coworkers, and loved ones alike. She faithfully sent her brother, Yves Jean-Claude Jean-Baptiste, a fish meal every Wednesday and Friday, a small but meaningful expression of her love.

A woman of deep faith, Alicia was a devoted Catholic. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Haverstraw, from 1982 to 1988 before joining St. Joseph’s Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing. She especially loved attending church retreats, often traveling by bus to destinations across the region and Canada.

Alicia never forgot her roots or her loved ones in Haiti. She dedicated countless hours to gathering supplies and sending care packages of support. Her garage became a hub of generosity; a packing depot filled with goods for her friends and family. She was a devoted patron of Sacred Heart, her beloved home church in Haiti.

Alicia's life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of family. She now rests in the eternal peace she so faithfully sought, leaving behind a legacy of love that spans borders and generations. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Alicia is survived by a large and loving family. Below is a small snapshot of those she leaves behind:

Siblings, Nieces, and Nephews:

· Marc Jean-Baptiste (Wiener & Dunia)

· Yves Jean-Claude Jean-Baptiste (Junior, Edrice, Scherley, Tanya, Eketia, Immacula, Obed)

· Marie Cyprien (Marco, Pierre Nerto, Maxime, Nahomie)

· Rosa Jean-Baptiste (Evans, Yves Junior, Carl Henry, Rose Camona)

· Will Jean-Baptiste (Wilfrid, Wilda, Janvier, Gregory, Laurie)

· Louis Andre Jean-Baptiste (Schidly, Dorly, Christian, Alexandra)

· Abel Jean-Baptiste (Dachka & Warner)

· Marie Emilie (Marie Jensen & Irma)

· Marie-Lucie (Manoucheka, Sophia, Cynthia, Fatima, Beltonde)

· Jean Maurice François (Dieudonne, Jacques, Mayden)

· Ernst Lycee (Ernst & Linda)

Predeceased by: Yvel Antoine Jean-Baptiste (son), Jean-Marc Jean-Baptiste, Edwin Jean-Baptiste, Jude Gousse, and Rosette Jean-Baptiste

Also mourning her loss: Nativa Gousse, Eddy, Yvrose, Marc-Hervé, Tamara, Ketia, Rico Louis, Marie Nicole, Marie Danielle, and Marie Aurette