Anne Marie Lespinasse

ANNE MARIE LESPINASSE

October 27, 1929 – January 10, 2018

Anne Marie Lespinasse, age 88, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York. She was born on October 27, 1929 to Alice Boucard and Luc Victor in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was one of three siblings – the middle sister to Ermite Taluy and Andre Boucard. She attended primary school at Mere Louise and secondary school at the Lycee des Jeunes Filles de Port-au-Prince. Later in life she fulfilled her passion for cooking as a graduate of the highly regarded Ecole d'Art Culinaire in Haiti.

On July 15, 1952, Anne Marie married the love of her life, Andre Lespinasse, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The pair, affectionately known to each other as "Mai" and "Nanas," had four beautiful children who were their pride and joy: Marie Carmel, Pierre, Frantz, and Joel.

Anne Marie immigrated to the United States in 1968 for a chance at a better life for her family. While only returning to Haiti once after she had left, Anne Marie never forgot about her native land or those she left behind. She spent her entire life giving back to the less fortunate in Haiti – sending money, clothing, and other necessities. Her giving spirit was unparalled and her sense of responsibility was passed on to her children. For Anne Marie, giving to those who were in need was not simply a choice but a duty.

Upon arriving in New York, Anne Marie worked tirelessly in factories, and later as a Nurse's Aide to ensure that her children wanted for nothing. When she was not working, she was either at Kingdom Hall for the weekly meetings, preaching the Good News, or opening her home to the congregation for bible study meetings. On those bible study evenings, congregants could look forward to a light dessert to "passé lan bouch ou" after the meeting concluded. A staple item was her yellow butter cake; it's distinctive aroma filling every room. The "always unlocked" front door of her three-story home in Flushing was a symbol of her welcoming nature, with the home serving as a haven for family and friends. Anne Marie was always clear about her values: Jehovah, Family, and Good Food. Her passion for cooking was infectious. Meals were filled with fresh ingredients; plated with artistic integrity; and infused with love.

Anne Marie was stylish, creative, and resourceful. She was always modestly adorned with jewelry, made good use of her sowing machine, and had a reputation as a bargain hunter par excellence. She was also loosely known as somewhat of a "community banker," and as such served as a trustworthy manager of the community "sousous." She instilled the importance of saving into the next generation by opening and contributing to savings accounts for her grandchildren at Flushing Savings Bank. The monthly contributions were modest, but over time the balance grew. More than an example of prudent financial management, it was a lesson in consistency and patience.

Anne Marie was an early orphan, having lost her mother at an early age. Throughout her life, she credited her uncles Absol, Adelson, and Abner for taking good care of her.

Anne Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Andre and beloved son, Joel. She is survived by her younger brother Andre Boucard; her children Marie Carmel, Pierre and Frantz; her 13 grandchildren: Philippe, Tamara, Gary, Mellissa, Monica, Patrick, Patricia, Pascale, Joey, Richard, Anthony, Manouchka, and Frantz-Alex; and eight great grandkids: Ethan, Aaron, Tyler, Chloe, Camryn, Brielle, Emma and Eva.