Glatide Jean, 74, a longtime resident of the Boston area died Friday, January 6, 2017, at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital suddenly.
Born on March 13, 1943, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Elise Cenatus-Jean and Brenis Jean; she was the 6th of the couple’s 8 children. Although her mother originally intended her name to be Gladys, her father instead registered her name as “Glatide,” when he appeared before the registry officer. Her father later expressed that he liked the name due to its uniqueness and felt that she was unique. Yet, many referred to her as "Gladys," while her family called her, "Ma Tante Gladys." However to us, her five children, she was "Mom."
Glatide is survived by her five children, Roodly Jules, Gregory Jules, Jacques Nabal Jules, Angela Ludna St. Charles, and Valencia Lucrece St. Charles, whom she loved and guarded fiercely as well as dedicated her entire self to. She is also survived by her growing legacy of 19 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Her loving siblings, Rodrigue Jean, Marie Ersulie Verrier, Wilfrid Jean, Max Jean, Florene Jean and Iphonia Jean-Louis. She is now in heaven with her first born son, Gary Jules, her grand-daughter SamarahLynn, and her siblings Edia Pierre-Jean, Chesnel Jean, and Marie Andree (Jean) Rene.
In her early years, she arrived in the United States from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, joining her elder siblings in Boston, Massachusetts in 1974. Upon arriving to the U.S., Glatide worked multiple jobs to secure a better life for her existing family in Haiti. Later, her then husband, Luckner St. Charles, along with her three small sons from a previous union (Roodly, Gregory, and Jacques Jules), whose father had been deceased, would all come to join her in America. After uniting with her husband she went on to give birth to her two daughters, Angela and Valencia St. Charles. In her established life she worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years, after having earned her GED and Medical Assistant Certification. As an immigrant, she was proud of her achievements, given the obstacles she had faced adapting in a new country. Because of this she often reminded her children to pursue their education and interests; to take on the opportunities she had afforded them through her efforts.
Whoever knew her well knows how much she loved her homeland country of Haiti. She took great care in teaching her children all aspects of their cultural heritage. She traveled countless times to Haiti over the decades in support of her family, properties, and substantial charitable work. All the while partaking in the American culture and lifestyle; her proudest moment was becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Our mother was also faithful and a devout Christian. She named three of her children in dedication to Catholic saints. She was deeply rooted in her spirituality and in her relationship with God. Many regarded her as a “prayer warrior,” whose commitment to praying for others was a natural part of who she was. She had accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and had raised her children in accordance with her beliefs.
She lived and loved her life passionately. Our mother took great interest in U.S. politics, Haitian political forums, the healthcare industry, and overall education. In her leisure, she loved to dance, cook/cater, travel, and sought to help others. She was outrageous as well as amusing, never failing to make others laugh, even through pain. In essence, she was a matriarch, always a pillar of strength and courage for our family. Compassionate she was, as well as empathetic for the less fortunate. Mom was a feminist before it became popular; she enjoyed her independence, motherhood, and womanhood. She took great care to instill much of her love for these interests in her children as she ensured each one succeeded life’s adversities through her protective nature. May it be known that she will always be loved, cherished, and remembered for always giving the best of herself.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family of Glatide Jean wishes to express our sincere thanks for the memorial gifts and other expressions of love during our time of bereavement. Your kindness has been immeasurable.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Gardens of Gethsemane Cemetery, 670 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132;
Tel: 617-325-0186.