Irma Marie Jean Baptiste

April 19, 1938 – September 26, 2026

Irma Marie Desanges Jean-Baptiste, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Mama,” passed away on September 26, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on April 19, 1938, in Léogâne, Haiti, Irma was the daughter of Franceska Desanges and the late Anselme Desanges, a prominent landowner in Léogâne. Raised in the Catholic faith, she developed an extraordinary devotion to God that would remain the foundation of her life.

Throughout her 88 years, Irma exemplified unconditional love, unwavering faith, remarkable strength, and selfless generosity. She was a devoted mother of four whose greatest commitment was raising her children with strong moral values, discipline, compassion, and a deep appreciation for education. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, earning her the affectionate title of “Mama” among those whose lives she touched.

A passionate advocate for education and service to others, Irma dedicated much of her professional life to teaching, social work, and academic leadership. She served as a social worker in a hospital and as an assistant director at a secondary college. She also devoted herself to tutoring and helping those in need, believing that education, hard work, and personal responsibility were essential foundations for a meaningful and independent life.

Irma was a woman of extraordinary talents and refined elegance. She enjoyed gardening, cultivating fruits and vegetables, tending to her houseplants, preparing delicious home-cooked meals, and making homemade jams. An accomplished seamstress with a natural eye for fashion, she appreciated beautiful clothing, fine French perfumes, and presenting herself with dignity and grace, especially when attending church.

Above all, Irma was a woman of profound Christian faith. An enthusiastic participant in charismatic prayer and worship, she faithfully attended Bible studies and prayer gatherings, often several times each week. Her devotion to God was not merely something she professed; it was something she practiced throughout her life. Even as dementia affected her memory in her later years, her love for God remained steadfast, and she continued to find joy and comfort in worship and prayer.

Irma's generosity was boundless, sometimes extending beyond what others might have considered reasonable. She gave freely, forgave readily, and consistently placed the needs of others before her own. Her life was marked by personal sacrifice, particularly for her children, whom she tirelessly nurtured, guided, protected, and prepared for life's challenges.

She leaves behind a legacy not measured by material possessions or worldly accomplishments, but by the countless lives she influenced through her kindness, wisdom, discipline, and faith.

Irma is lovingly survived by her four children: Yona, Leon Junior, Sandra, and Philip Jean-Baptiste; her grandchildren: Tienna, Johnathan, Christopher, Felicia, Kaila, Chad, Richard, Ysarah, Christel, Eli, Annah, and Leah Jasmin; and her great-grandchildren: Jaimie, Ophelia, and Desmond.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to experience her extraordinary love, generosity, and spiritual devotion.

Irma's life serves as a lasting reminder that true wealth is not found in earthly possessions, but in faith, love, compassion, and the legacy we leave in the hearts of others.

“A life lived with fierce love, elegant grace, and unshakeable faith.”

Memorial Service: October 17, 2026