Denise Fortune Ulysse

Born in St. Marc, Haiti, on August 9, 1931, Denise Fortune Ulysse was the only child of Anacius Fortune and Celie Joseph. Following her mother’s death at a young age, Denise was raised by Celie’s sister, Francine Joseph in St. Marc. Her father, Anacius, also died a few years later. As years passed, the family moved to Port au Prince to join other aunts and cousins, ManZou, Man Yenne, Francoise, Tontonne, Clara and their children. They lived in a big house with a big interior courtyard with a well on Rue Macajou/ Boulevard des Veuves. All the children played many games together: school, la ronde, singing, and storytelling. There were so many memorable moments.

As family members moved to individual homes, Denise lived with Tontonne and Clara. When Clara moved to New York in 1952, Denise became an exceptional big sister to Clara’s children. The girls wore the prettiest dresses, the boys’ shorts and shirts sewed with all her love. Living in Cité St. Martin, Denise was once again living close to some of the cousins she grew up with, the Augustins, Elomise, Grace, and their children, and her dear friend and future sister-in-law, Silotte. In 1967she married Ernest (Nènè) Ulysse. They later emigrated to New York in 1968 joining Clara and her family as well as several cousins. Denise and Nènè moved to Yonkers where they worked and their only son, Stanley was born Oct. 13, 1969 in Yonkers. A few years later, they returned to NYC, lived near the Baron family in Kew Gardens and Rosedale while Denise worked as a data clerk for US Customs till her retirement in 1996. Upon her retirement she and Stanley, joined Clara and other family members who were now settled in Florida in 1997. Nènè remained in NY and made his transition in 2008.

Now retired, Denise utilized her time to bask in her passion for sewing, crocheting, gardening, baking and loving her time as “Tatie Den” to her younger cousins’ children. There were so many precious times in New York with the children and many others enjoying her delicious homemade fried chicken, patties, pina colada drinks, cakes and cookies. She spoiled everyone, adults and children with her skillful sewing and crocheting; afghans, pajamas, robes, bags, hats, scarfs, pot holders, monogrammed pillow cases, towels, etc. Many of the children in the family had a baptismal outfit hand made by “Tatie Den.”

Since her childhood, Denise was a devote Catholic. Her routine morning, noon and night prayer time were non-negotiable. Her bible, prayer books and rosary were always at hand. Her prayers were for Stanley, grandchildren Maddox, Kyara, cousins, all the youngsters in the family, her dear friends and neighbors.

Denise was always focused on healthy living. She so often shared her knowledge of the herbs, roots & leaves remedies that her cousin Guy Joseph nicknamed her Dr. Denise. She was so elated to receive an IPad from Stanley. She spent hours viewing YouTube & Google for herbal remedies, cooking, baking, sewing, and crocheting for her projects. Then there was her relaxing time watching Judge Judy. Denise was such a generous person sharing her time, talents, with everyone. Her love for her homeland was ever so passionate. She listened fervently to Haitian news radio for updates that would upset her. She gave monetary donations to support humanitarian efforts, donated many of her sewing supplies when she heard Sant Twa Ti Flè, a school in Haiti, was starting a sewing class for students.

Denise is resting in love and peace with all who preceded her; relatives, dear friends and her beloved granddaughter Trinity who transitioned at 9 years old.

Denise will be sorely missed by so many. Mourning her loving memory are her son, Stanley, grandchildren Maddox, Kyara, daughter-in-law, Toya, a host of cousins & their families: Baron, Rosefort, Paris, Verna, Levy, Alfred, Fish, Dejean, Joseph, Augustin, Avril, Theogène, Jacques, Monfiston, Pauleus, Moreau, Phillip, Lafontant, Brun, Delince, former daughter in law, Lisa Louis Demezier, and many dear friends and neighbors.

A visitation for Denise will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home @ Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

A graveside service will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 200 W Copans Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.