Gertrude Celestin

Our dear, Gertrude Celestin, transitioned in Miami, Florida, on April 29, 2023, at the age of 53. She will forever be remembered as a fantastic mother, spouse, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Gertrude Celestin was born in Borgne, Haiti, on January 3, 1970. Since her youthful years, Gertrude exuded kindness, confidence, intelligence, and determination. When she moved to Miami from Haiti in the early 1980s, she enrolled at Horace Mann Middle School and later attended Miami Central Senior High School. Gertrude’s passion for education and making a difference in others’ lives encouraged her to pursue advanced degrees. Gertrude proudly earned an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Miami Dade College, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Memorial College (graduating on the Dean’s List and with Summa Cum Laude), and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Barry University. Before her passing, she was pursuing a certificate in Montessori Education. Gertrude served over 20 years as a teacher and in leadership positions at many academic institutions. Alongside Gertrude’s academic achievements, she embodied womanhood, charisma, and grace. She lit up every room with her bright smile and a heart full of happiness. Many will remember her presence as warm, bold, and unforgettable. If you needed motivation, she knew the right words of encouragement to offer. If you needed love, she had the tightest hug to give. If you needed help, she was a phone call or drive away. Gertrude, a true woman of faith, her presence will always be with us. Her loved ones will always commemorate her joy for traveling, cooking delicious meals, collecting luscious fragrances, dancing, interior designing, and fashion. Gertrude is survived by her mothers: Louise Rodney and Ermene Etienne; father: Charles Celestin; life partner: Alex Dor; her daughters’ father: Firmin Jean-Louis; daughters: Gerfina Victoria Miracle Jean-Louis, Alexandra Jean-Louis, and Giselle Claire Dor; sisters: Mireille C. Pascal, Karline Jean, Rosenie Celestin, Charline Celestin, Daphne Rodney, Phillippa M. Pratt, Devin Woodside, and Geurline Corvil; brothers: Stevens Rodney, Patrice Etienne, Winny Etienne, and Ramsey Etienne; nephews: Brandon Pascal, Conor Pascal, Gabe Lazarre, Andrew Mabout, Austin Mabout, Steve-Antoine Ferere, Enricque Woodside, and Devankent Woodside; nieces: Berlanda Pascal, Blair Smith, and Paoli-Vittoria Ferere; brother-in-laws: Jean-Robert Pascal, Carvinson Pratt, Kevin Woodside, Maurice Obsaint, and Anderson Mabout. Lastly, Gertrude’s cousins, uncles, aunties, friends, students, neighbors, and more will forever treasure her impact in their lives.

Gertrude Celestin

January 3, 1970 - April 29, 2023

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