Marie Josephine Annette Toussaint was born on February 15, 1928 to the union of Joseph Toussaint and Lonesse Thelemaque in Peredo, Jacmel Haiti. On Thursday, September 9, 2021, she passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York surrounded by her children and grandchildren holding her hands while she transitioned from this life to life eternal.
Annette Lartigue was a very compassionate, thoughtful, and generous woman who put God and family above all else. Annette was a woman of action who led by example. She was kind but she was no pushover.
When Annette was 17 years old, she met the love of her life, Jean Fuscien Lartigue in Peredo. Her mother felt she was too young to date so they waited. When Annette turned 22, she and Fuscien courted for 5 years. At 27 years old she married her love on August 14th, 1955 at St. Dominick church in Marigot. This union produced five children.
Annette was a seamstress and built a business making and selling beautiful dresses and essential items, while at the same time teaching others to sew. She was an entrepreneur, a passion unbeknown to her she passed on to her grandchild Bianca.
Annette, her husband, and children led a comfortable lifestyle in Haiti. In 1969, after leaving her children in the care of her mother and sisters, Annette and her husband migrated to the United States of America in pursuit of the American dream. In the beginning, they worked odd jobs and sent money back home. After a few months, Annette found permanent employment at Letchworth village in Thiells, NY as a Therapy Aid. She took great pride in her work and was well respected by her supervisors and co-workers alike. Annette worked there until retirement.
Annette was a visionary. She did not only look at what was in front of her but was able to see beyond, to what was possible. Due to her entrepreneurial spirit, Anette was able to convince her husband to purchase a house in the U.S. A few years later, she purchased additional properties in Jacmel, with the stipulation to retire there one day. Her children and grandchildren would not be where they are today without her vision, constant love, and dedication.
Annette was also a “fashionista”, who always dressed and impressed. Every Sunday she and her husband would attend St Joseph Church 1:00 mass dress to the nines. She, with a beautiful suit or dress with matching hat and shoes; her husband dressed in his best suit. People used to refer to her as “Madame talon quiquite” or “Madame quoquette” (chic, regal).
Annette was a woman of great faith who attended daily mass at St. Joseph Church. She was a dedicated and lifelong member of the Charismatique and Coeur Unis de Jesus et de Marie. (United Heart of Jesus and Marie).
In addition to keeping a strict focus on her family, Annette never lost sight of the importance of goodwill towards others. Her motto was “if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” As the giving, caring, and selfless woman that she was, she always extended a helping hand to anyone in need. Family was everything to Annette. She would always recite this Chinese proverb to her children, “Give a man a fish he will eat it for a day, teach a man how to fish and he will be able to provide for his family and others”. She lived her life by this philosophy as she demonstrated by working tirelessly to bring family members to the United States, providing food and shelter until they became stable. Once established, they were able to do the same for their family members. Anette’s good deeds enabled others achieved their American dreams. Her support to her friends and family truly embodied the true spirit of “my brother’s keeper”.
Annette did not boast that she was a Christian; she embodied it through her actions. In her household, everyone was always welcomed. Everyone is family. If you’re hungry you need not worry, you will be fed. If you need a place to rest your head, there’s always a room for you, for however long you need it. This is a trait that goes back to her mom. She did not just talked the talk, she walked the walk. This is her legacy.
Annette Lartigue departed this life on Thursday September 9th 2021. Her parents and her siblings preceded her in passing. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children: Roselene Lartigue, Schubert Lartigue, Marie Maude Lartigue-Mathelier, Carole Lartigue-Teabout, and Judith Lartigue. Her grandchildren: Claude Lartigue, Bianca Teabout, Noah Lartigue, Schan Lartigue, Eric Lartigue, Samuel Lartigue, Gabriel Lartigue, and Sydney Teabout. Her great grandchild Claude Jr., Her nieces: Marlene Edmond, Josette Prophete, and Elda Prophete (who were more like daughters to her). Her great nieces Marvena St. Agathe, and Dr. Shidley Prophete. Her nephews: Hurbain Prophete, Pastor Ernst Edmond. Her great nephews Joseph Prophete, Marc Edmond, Johathan Edmond. Her son in laws: Robert Teabout, and Patrick Mathelier. Her daughters in law: Angelica Lartigue, Erica Lartigue, and Rose Berrouet. Her extended sons, Carl Henry Joseph, Jackolo Jean Baptiste, Longtime friends Mrs. Leonie Joseph and her children, Terese Nazaire, Mr. Louis M. Gousse (who are like family) Mrs. Elize Antoine and Jessyka Myrthil who took such great care of her. Cousins: Wesley Thelemaque, Ludercie Thelemaque, Magaret Lafontont, and countless other family members and friends.
Annette Lartigue was a wife, an aunt, a sister, a mother, and grandmother who loved fiercely and unconditionally. She set high standards of morality in her home and taught her children and grandchildren the meaning of honesty, compassion, humility and the love of God. After a full life, this beautiful soul has been called to our God but left a well-lit torch for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and every one whose lives she has touched. A well-lit path to Glory, she will forever live in our hearts.
A visitation for Annette will be held Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A funeral mass will occur Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St Joseph's Church, 245 N Main St, Spring Valley, New York 10977. An entombment following funeral mass will occur Friday, September 17, 2021 at St. Anthony's Cemetery, 36 W. Nyack Rd., Nanuet, NY 10954.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18