Lista Jean

LISTA JEAN, affectionately nicknamed “mommy” by her children and “matant” by her nephews, was born on July 26, 1964 in Haiti at Ans-à-Veau. She gave birth to three children: Wesly, Jocelyn and Djénie, she gave them the following respective nicknames: Ti-Wes, Dada, and Jojo. Desiring a better life for herself and her family, LISTA emigrated to the United States twenty years ago to live her version of the American dream. Upon arrival, she settled in Palm Beach County with the Calixte Family, and later joined her nephews Roody “Jojo”, Ralph “Bobby”. Death unfortunately is the only certainty of life, and no human being on earth is in charge of their destiny. Cancer also knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. Her journey started with a small discomfort, which turned out to be an early stage of Bladder Cancer. With surgery, radiation and multiple rounds of localized chemotherapy, she defeated her initial diagnosis. Unfortunately two years later, she contracted an extremely aggressive type of lung cancer that subsequently took her life 10 months later. Tatie Lista loved life and had many interests. She was passionate about her family, many of whom she worked very hard to support, sports, and Haitian politics. She often stayed up very late at night with her faithful companion, the late Matant Inan to watch the Heat play. She could rarely contain her joy on victory days, and her disappointment on days when the team did not do well. Lista was also an avid soccer fan. Although she didn’t have a favorite soccer team, she religiously followed the beautiful game, and loved its great players. She was always quick to remind her son that “football la se sou teren li jwe, pa pale l nan bouch tande” which loosely translates to “Football is not talked about; it’s played on the field.” when he would tell her, “Messi pral mache sou piti yo. Argentine pral chanpyon,” which loosely translates to “Messi will take them on. Argentina will be champions.” Like most Haitians living abroad with immediate family members in Haiti, the political situation in the country was one of her biggest worries. She stayed connected and informed and was extremely concerned with the safety of her children. She would often tell her son, who’s a local attorney that “Ou pa tande jovenel voye senatè yo ale avan lè saw di nan sa kom avoka”, or “Bon, Ariel menm sa lap rule nan peyi sa menm, genlè lap fin touye mezi moun ki genyen Ayiti”, or “ou pa tande sesi ou pa tande sela, bon politisyen sa yo menm.” Lista was known for being reserved, wise, respectful, and sensitive. She was always willing to help others in need even with her meager means: kids, family, and sometimes complete strangers. Lastly, Lista was a strong believer in education, which is why she invested most of her means in the education and well-being of her three children. After her cancer diagnosis, she said that “everything is in God’s hand, God’s wish will be done”. She never gave up, even in the worst moments. She stayed courageous in her fight, and left it all in God’s hands. In addition to her three children Wesley, Djenie and Jocelyn, Lista is survived by her cousin Roselène, her brothers FANFAN and MONTINA, her sisters “Fifi” and Madan Manno”, her nephews Roody “Jojo”, Ralph “Bobby”, Weslez “Sonson”, her adopted niece “Micka” and many friends and family in the US and Haiti who helped pray and encouraged her during her fight. She was preceded in death by her sister “Kesta”, her adopted sister “Inan”, and her Parents “Brigitte and Clavier”. Repoze en paix momy lista, kontinye veye sou tout piti ou yo, radevou anko nan yon lot vi. Ke benediksyon ak limye bondye toujou sou ou kotew ye a.

Lista Jean

July 26, 1964 - March 25, 2023

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