Michelle Zephirin Péan

Michelle Zephirin Péan, “Mikki,” was born on June 11, 1955 to Dr. Rosalvo Adrien and Anne-Marie Zephirin (Boncy) in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. She was one of four children. Mikki attended Institut Saint Dominique School, a Catholic boarding school, in Rome, Italy where she acquired a love of languages. She spoke five. Mikki came to the United States when she was 17 and settled in Queens, NY. In 1982, she married her soulmate and love of her life, Patrick Péan. From this union came two children: Cassandra and Patrick, Jr. They were her delight!

While in New York, Mikki worked at Citibank and then Chase Bank for many years. In 2005, she joined the New York Office of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), but later relocated to the D.C. Metro area when the New York office closed. Highly respected, her talent for languages served her well in this capacity. She worked in the Washington, D.C. office of DIA until her untimely passing.

Mikki was a force of nature, full of life, passion and positive energy. She was unapologetically comfortable in her own skin. You never had to wonder what Mikki was thinking. She was bold but honest, and tactfully told you what she thought. Her commanding presence made her the focal point of any room she entered. Strong, but not overbearing, when she spoke, people listened. Her dazzling smile, framed by her trademark red lips, could light up a night sky. She was caring, selfless, nurturing. A true friend and confidante. That was Mikki! There was a sassiness to Mikki. She was a style and culture queen! The life of any party, she was always gracious and made everyone she met feel special. Mikki was so damn proud of her family! Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her village included her ‘transplant children’ and Facebook friends. Her words of wisdom and encouraging posts garnered a loyal FB following. Mikki mastered the virtual world and her circle of friends included people who she never met, but considered her a trusted confidante nonetheless. Her parting saying was always, “One love.” Mikki loved playing “Mafia Wars,” an online game that cemented many special friendships. An excellent chef, her passion for cooking came much later in life. She loved music and treasured her salsa lessons at Lorenz Latin Dance Studio. Mikki loved to entertain. However, she was a stickler for proper etiquette especially as it related to how a meal should be served. She jokingly referred to loved ones as “You people!” if you had the misfortune of getting on her bad side. Raised Catholic, Mikki was more spiritual than religious. Joie de vivre, Mikki Red Lips. Joie de vivre.

Mikki is survived by her loving husband, Patrick Péan, Sr., and her beloved children Cassandra Lacey (Chonn) of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Navy Chief Patrick Péan, Jr. (TaKeyma) of Jacksonville, FL. She will be mourned by her siblings, Harold Zephirin (Claudette) of Mineola, NY, Dr. Jacques Adrien Zephirin (Nancy) of Potomac, MD and Monique Zephirin Etienne (Pierre-Richard) of Margate, FL; grandchildren Chonn Lacey, Jr. (“CJ”), Camden Péan, Cali Péan and Chase Lacey; and a host of nieces, nephews and a great many friends.

We are all better for having known her!