Leonie Abellard

Leonie Augustine Abellard was called home on August 31, 2021. She was born on July 28, 1930, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Leonie, affectionately known as NiNi, was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her world, and it brought her joy to spend time with them, imparting words of wisdom, and always ensuring she filled their bellies with her delicious food.

Grandma Nini immigrated to the United States in 1969. It was a new world for her, a new culture, and a new language. However, Grandma Nini was a formidable woman who was always driven by hard work and determination. In just a few years, she was able to purchase several apartment buildings in New York. She continued to buy and sell properties throughout her life. At 90 years old, Grandma Nini was still an independent woman. She drove herself around, did all her own yard work, and still managed her business ventures.

Always deeply rooted in her faith, she loved God with all her heart and devoted her life to living by His Word. Despite Grandma Nini’s tough exterior, she was a truly kind-hearted, sweet, and loving woman who was admired by so many. She was the indisputable matriarch of her large family; and examples of her wisdom, guidance, and faith will be greatly missed by her family and all who crossed her path. She will forever remain in their hearts, while her influence and wisdom will live on and never be forgotten.

Grandma Nini is survived by five children – Mary Ojo, Elsie Fils-Aime, Lionel Fils-Aime, Alix Fils-Aime, and Michele Fils-Aime, as well as six grandchildren; Phillippe Fils-Aime, Tamara Fils-Aime, Danielle Sherriff Reichenberger, Pierre-Henri Fils-Aime, Tania Ojo, and Reeves Fils-Aime; five great grandchildren Braylon Fils-Aime, Maximilian Reichenberger, Jude Fils-Aime, and Kennedy Reichenberger; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Antenor Abellard, her sons Eddy Fils-Aime, Jean Fils-Aime and Patrick Fils-Aime. Grandma Nini will forever remain in our hearts, while her influence and wisdom will live on and never be forgotten.