Celimene Jean-Mary Dieujuste

Celimene Jean-Mary Dieujuste, age 56, of Linden, New Jersey passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. To know Celimene Jean-Mary Dieujuste is to love her. Born in Saint-Marc, Haiti on May 23, 1968, Celimene was raised by her parents, Jesumene Dameus and Theodore Jean-Mary, and was the youngest of five siblings, Theophile Jean-Mary, Guillaume Jean-Mary, Roberson Jean-Mary, and Theone Cantave. Celimene did not know a challenge she didn’t face head on. Coming to the United States at the age of 17 years old and attending Tilden High School, while also grieving the loss of her own parents at the age of 19 wasn’t easy, but Celimene was determined to graduate, and she did. She was determined not to allow the hardships she faced to dictate her future and took every opportunity to learn from her experiences.

At the age of 22 years old, Celimene got married and by 24 years old had her first child, her PRINCESS, Falinda C. Dieujuste. Seven years later, her ONLY son, Theodore David Dieujuste joined the family. Anyone who knew Celimene growing up would describe her as fiercely loyal to the people she loved. She carried these traits into motherhood and taught her children how to be resilient, loving, and to “have each other’s back, no matter what.” Celimene embodied the concept of putting her family first. They created many beautiful memories together, bonding over their favorite TV shows, laughing with and at each other, and putting God first in all things. When Celimene was 31 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. With God’s grace she beat cancer and was in remission for nearly 25 years.

On August 31, 2018, Celimene remarried to Lateef Akinwale Shittu. Celimene was surrounded by love and laughter by the people closest to her and saw the bright side in all things. She did not allow life’s many twists and turns to discourage her. She was committed to self-improvement and loved to learn new skills. She enjoyed interior design, fashion, and staying active. In May 2023, Celimene and her family learned that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Through it all, her faith in God never wavered. Whenever someone asked her how she was doing, she would always respond “my spirits are high!” She counted her blessings daily and poured into her loved ones. Many of us can say with confidence that though she is no longer with us, there is no doubt that we know how much she loved us. She was a truth-teller, a fighter, a nurturer, a mother, a wife, a sister, and a friend. She was so much for so many people. On August 12, 2024, Celimene went home to reunite with her Lord and Savior. She is survived by her children, her siblings, and her loved ones. As Celimene so eloquently put it, “for me to be the woman that I am, I thank God, for giving me the strength.” She exemplifies what it means to put our trust fully in God’s plan, even when the outcome is not what we may expect. Rest in Peace to our beautiful Queen.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

A visitation for Celimene will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Holy Mountain Church, 800 Roselle St, Linden, NJ 07036, followed by the prayer service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral will follow at Rosedale Cemetery, 750 E Linden Ave, Linden, NJ 07036.