Jean Claude Abelard

of Spring Valley, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children

on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

He was the husband of Edith Abelard who he instantly fell in love with and later

became inseparable. They shared 43 beautiful years of marriage together and from

that love, six children were born. Jean Claude was born on November 07, 1950,

to Sherilus and Idamance Abelard in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haïti and spent his

teenage years in Port-au-Prince, Haïti. Years later, he wanted more for his growing

family so he set his sights on moving to the United States and made a home in New York.

Papi’s presence was so contagious and exuded joy. From the moment he met his wife,

he decided to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved.

He dedicated all of himself to not only providing but instilling morals and values that his family

can carry with them. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world,

something he often mentioned and expressed with his actions. He was particularly proud

of his sons Jean Claude “AJ”, Edithson, Mike Stevens, Travis, Kevin, his sole daughter

Maria Methia and his soul mate and wife Edith and always tried his best to speak life and

love into them.

Jean Claude was also a passionate chef and could often be found in the kitchen

feeding anyone that came over for a visit. For 32 years Papi made his mark and

became the best chef that Monsey had ever known. If anyone ever tasted his hollies,

apple turn-over pies or ‘chicken rose’ (roasted chicken) as he called it, you know you

tasted perfection. When you are with Papi, be expected to be fed a hot plate of

delicious food, be expected to laugh and best of all, feel the love of family. His pleasure

was to see everyone fed, happy and by his willing hands.

Anyone who knew Papi knew he was the most loving and selfless father and

husband a family could ask for. To know him was to love him and his remarkable

resiliency and drive to be better than the day before.

As we mourn the loss of our beloved father, we encourage any and all who knew him to

remember the light he naturally brought to this world. Jean Claude was predeceased by his

father Sherilus, mother Idamanse Abelard, his grandchild Tristan Carter Burke and

brother-in-law Charles Idal. He is survived by his wife Edith Abelard, his six children

Jean Claude “AJ” Abelard, Maria Methia Abelard-Burke (Normand G. Burke),

Edithson Abelard (Carolyn Debus-Abelard), Mike Stevens Abelard, Travis Abelard,

Kevin Abelard, his sister Elza Abelard-Idal, niece Shirline, grandchildren Janayah,

Tydus, Lilian, and Chase, as well as theLucien, Abelard, Delpe, Joseph,

Noel, and Gilles family.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 2 PM - 4 PM for the

viewing at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901,

and the prayer service will follow right after.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Papi's memory can be made to People to People (https://www.peopletopeopleinc.org)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wanamakercarlough.com

for the Abelard family.