Anne Marie Vilna Lacroix, née Abellard, was born on October 26, 1936 in Leogane, Haiti to parents Rosebrune Bien-Aimé and Claircius Abellard. She passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022. The 5th among 9 children and one of only three sisters, Anne Marie married Gérard Lacroix on January 26, 1961 and gave birth to seven children. With a strong devotion to her family and a keen eye for business, she began traveling to neighboring countries where she built a successful trade business. From 1983 through 1984, Anne Marie traveled to New York and back with the children in the care of their father back home and worked arduously in the manufacturing industry. She then settled in Brooklyn, New York and soon was joined by her Husband, youngest child Jacques, and first grandson, Gerard Junior. Sadly, her husband of 36 years passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 1997 and Anne Marie turned to private childcare and went on to care for young children where she was cherished and embraced by their families for several years.
In 2002, Anne Marie moved to South Florida to be closer to her first daughter, Gérarda and found a wonderful Haitian faith community at St Ann Catholic Church. She worked in hospitality and was employed at the Breakers Hotel for over 17 years. A devout Catholic, she was active in her church and was often called on by the members of her group “Tèt Ansanm” to resolve interpersonal conflict, plan future activities, and address group challenges. There, she served as Treasurer, Counselor, and Vice-President. Together, “Tèt Ansanm” planned fundraising events to support the church ministry and serve the needs of the Haitian Community. Anne Marie was a woman of Faith who often considered her life to be a testimony of the grace and greatness of God. She was fierce, determined, loyal, and a devoted servant who assisted the Immaculate Conception Church in their efforts to feed thousands in the community of Asile in Haiti and implement activities to benefit the church and its members.
Anne Marie loved her family, loved people, and loved to dance. She was at every concert, graduation, major event as long as she was able. She fiercely protected her children and spoiled her grand and great-grandchildren. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed hosting and breaking bread with friends and strangers alike, ensuring the less fortunate did not go hungry. She loved a good margarita and had a keen eye for style; She lived her years with a poise and fearlessness that will leave an indescribable void. Some of her greatest accomplishments revolve around her love for God, Family, Community and include bringing her family to the States, becoming a United States Citizen, and witnessing the lives of her great grandchildren.
Anne Marie Lacroix was preceded in death by her first grandson, Gerard Lacroix Junior. She is survived by her two sisters Claire and Yvanne; her Children Marie Gerarda, Marie Michelle, Marie Gabrielle, Gerald, Marie Alberte, Guerda, Jacques Philippe; her grandchildren Richard-Lee, Anne-Adler, Jephthe, Tess, Christina, Gwenael, Marckenson Moise, Tania, Christ-Offert, Richard, Gerry, Ann-Jovanah, Hans Jovan, Ann-Karyn, Aynnka, Yann Phillipe, Ann-Elizabeth, Tahina, Tatianna, Regis-Phyll, Angie-Lynn, Nadie, Jackee, Saskia, Liam; her great-grand children Jeremiah, Anastasia, Widlerson, Marie-Zina; families: Abellard, Lacroix, Surin, Auguste(s), Desir, Nestor, Gaston, Athis, Belony, Lochard, Joseph, Theusme, Louis-Pierre, Jean-Baptiste; her nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. May she rest in Peace.
A visitation for Anne Marie will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 310 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, with a graveside service to follow Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Immaculee Conception Church dedicated to feed the elderly in Asile, Haiti.
