Francis Marie Bernier passed away on June 12, 2020. Francis was born on October 25, 1957 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to parents Jean-Baptiste Eberle Bernier and Marie Jeanne St. Cloud. Francis migrated from Haiti at the age of 16 to the United States for better opportunities and to start a family of her own. It would come to be that the strength and beauty of a Woman would be personified through each of her pregnancies. Francis would come to birth three sets of twins. Francis was a selfless human being, with a very
generous heart, as she was also a loving mother figure to many. She graciously
settled into the role of Matriarch, and she carried her family in every aspect.
Notably, she worked hard as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 20 plus years and
received many accolades and awards. Her favorite past times included listening to
music, enjoying conversation and sharing in laughter with those she loved. Francis
also found happiness in cooking for loved ones and running her family catering
business. She took great pride in cooking and feeding others. Cooking brought her
joy as it was a way to nourish and bring her family and loved ones together in great
pleasure. Having her family together, in celebration be it during her favorite
holiday, Thanksgiving, or over a Sunday dinner was a vessel used to connect
emotionally, spiritually and draw them closer to each other. For Francis, cooking
not only brought happiness and satisfaction, it was sacred.
For many years she worked as Lead Cook at Saint Bellevue. Her leadership, her
grace and of course her meals, were very much appreciated. She also began to
embark on her very own family catering business. Haiti on Wheels: Food with
Graces. A food trucking and catering service dedicated to preserving Haitian
culture, cuisine, language, and authenticity. Fulfilling and inspiring a Caribbean
space not yet on the horizon.
Francis was a pillar- to her family and within her community, a woman reliably
providing essential support and sharing her love. Francis will be sorely missed.
However, we will continue to honor her gift of selflessness, by uplifting others and
taking great care of each other as beautifully as she did.
Francis Marie Bernier is preceded in death by her parents Jean-Baptiste Eberle
Bernier and Marie Jeanne St. Cloud and brother Joseph Bernier.
Surviving to cherish her love and memories, her children Ritchie Lafond, Patricia
Paul, Patrick Paul, Hansey Lafond and Ashley Lafond. Brothers: Herard E.Bernier,
Emmanuel Bernier, and Moise Bernier. Sister: Marie Bernier Myrthil. Nieces:
Brunette Desima, Shirley Bernier, Theressa Myrthil, Emma Bernier-Dumel, Marsha
Bernier-Foster, Betty Bernier, Judith Bernier, Farrah Bernier, Yasmine Bernier,
Marlvyn Gelin, Tracy Bernier, Tracey Emile. Nephews: Woody Bernier, Freddy
Bernier, John Bernier, Lunel Myrthil, Kevin Bernier, Garvey Gelin, Ernest Gelin,
Winnere Myers, Herby Bernier, Grandchildren: Franchesca JeanBaptiste, Josiah
Bufford-Paul, Jalen Bufford-Paul, Jordan Bufford-Paul, Zachariah Lafond, Myles
Lafond, Chance Howard, Jerimiah Lafond, and Autumn Brown. Aunt: Olga St.
Cloud. Uncles: Roussell Theodat, Rudolph St. Cloud
And a host of cousins, great nieces, great nephews, additional family and friends
that loved her deeply.
Family and friends will Celebrate Francis's life by gathering for Visiting hours in the Joseph Russo Funeral Home, 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale on Friday June 26th from 7-9pm.
Funeral Mass in The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help “Mission Church” on Saturday June 27th at 10am.
Burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 427 Cummins Highway, Roslindale.
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