Marianne Francillon Surin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marianne Francillon Surin, the matriarch of our family, and the devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver who touched so many lives. Marianne passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2023, at the age of 103 surrounded by family.

Marianne had a long and full life – albeit not an easy one. Marianne was born on November 2, 1919, in Grandou, Haiti, the youngest of three children and the only daughter of Francois and Hilary Francillon. Just three days after Marianne’s birth, Hilary tragically passed away – an event which would forever shape Marianne’s life and view of family. Never having known her own mother and having been cared for by family members and surrogate mothers, Marianne was intent on becoming the ultimate caregiver for her children and being present for all the moments in their lives. She was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children. Anyone who knows Marianne’s children knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that is all that ever mattered to her.

Marianne achieved this goal and so much more. Not only did she raise her six children into adulthood, but she built a legacy of child rearing that well surpassed her greatest expectations, serving as a surrogate mother to many children in Haiti. Marianne continued her legacy of caregiving when she immigrated to United States, serving as the caregiver for nearly all of her twenty-six grandchildren, as well as the children of many friends. Over the years, many have lovingly called her “Mama” or “Grandma.”

Marianne believed that her role as a caregiver did not end when those in charge reached adulthood. Indeed, until the very end of her life, Marianne faithfully started each day interceding in prayer for the health wellbeing and protection of her children, grandchildren and the many others who had been in her loving care.

Marianne was predeceased by her husband Antoine L. Surin. Marianne is survived by her six children, Rosemarie, Gerard Jacques, Jean Mario, Andre Maxo, Carole and Yves Michel, her twenty-six grandchildren, her thirty great-grandchildren, her ten great-great grandchildren, and the many others that lovingly saw and called her “Mama” or Grandma.”

We invite you to join fellow loved ones for a memorial service to remember a century lived of love and caregiving. A visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A mass of Christian burial will occur Friday, April 28, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St Joseph's Church, 245 N Main St, Spring Valley, New York 10977. An entombment following funeral mass will occur Friday, April 28, 2023, at 1:30 PM at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Rd., Airmont, New York 10952.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Marianne's memory may be made to: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital www.mariafarerichildrens.org.