Gishlaine was born in Port–au-Prince, Haiti on June 4, 1931 to Emmanuel Fils-Aime and Germaine Florville Fils-Aime. In 1956 she married Leon Salnave and moved to the United States. Together they raised 2 children Gilbert and Gysandre.
Gishlaine was an extraordinary woman with a beautiful heart. She meant the world to those who had the honor of calling her “Man Gigi”. Her deep love for her family and the wonderful music in her laughter is something that cannot be matched. She was loving, selfless, dedicated, loyal, sincere, fair and fierce. Someone who could be trusted with whatever was confided in her and known for giving the wisest advice. She was empathetic and strong and for stood up for her values. Her love for children can be marked by the dozens of children that where entrusted in her care. She was respected by all.
You could catch her on any given day sitting at the head of the table with her arms crossed with a pensive thought on her face. Always thinking and planning. Her favorite pass time going to the supermarket. A task many of us may find as routine but when you look at it embodied who she was. She made sure her family was taken care of. Her last selfless act was cooking for all of us on Mother’s day. She has been described to us so many ways since her passing but the words that were echoed over and over was Matriarch and Hero.
Gishlaine lived a long and blessed life. She was a devoted wife, exceptional mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. The dash between her time of birth and death is overflowing. To say she will be deeply missed is an understatement. The void that she has left us with will be impossible to fill.
She is survived by her Son Gilbert, Daughter Gysandre, Son-in-Law Woody, Grandchildren David, Laurent, Xavier, Sophia and Joelle. Her siblings Marie-Claire, Huguette, Monique & Jean, Lucienne & Crillon, Yanick, Michele, Emmanuel, Jean -Jean Paul & Genevieve. She is also mourned by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews of the Florville, Fils-Aime, Hogarth, Salnave, De Delva, Vabre, Villard, Gourgue, Maduro, Holly, Elie and Dugas families.
Gishlaine was preceded in death by her devoted husband Leon and sister Raymonde & one of her dearest friend of many years Paula. May God hold her in the palm of his hands and keep those of us she left behind in his loving arms.
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