Marie Maricia Perrilus Philippe was born on May 24, 1928, to Petit-Val Perrilus and Roseide Saint Jacques in Duval, Haiti. She married Louis Cerfrere Philippe on October 21, 1951, and remained married to him until his passing in 1994. Marie lived a joyous and beautiful life, survived by her five sons, four daughters, 34 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Marie was a devoted, loving, and caring mother throughout her life. While living in Haiti, she would wake up every morning to sell goods at the marketplace, a 20-30 minute walk from her house. She worked tirelessly every day except Sundays, which were reserved for church, a testament to her faith and dedication. She took pride in these walks, doing everything she could to ensure her children were fed and cared for. Marie understood the power of family, always making sure her children were taken care of, even in her absence. After a long day at the marketplace, she would come home tired yet still cook for her family, no matter how late it was.
In December 1998, with the support of her daughter and son-in-law, Marie entered the United States for a month before returning to Haiti. She made a permanent move to the United States in 1999, where she resided until her passing. During her time in the US, she babysat for a year, driven by her love for children. In her free time, Marie enjoyed walking laps around the neighborhood park and sometimes around the neighborhood alone, revealing her love for being outdoors and enjoying nature.
As she aged, Marie attended a Haitian Adult Daycare Center until the pandemic. In 2013, she was fortunate enough to bring four of her children and four grandchildren to the United States. In 2014, she brought another child, and in 2016, another child and one more grandchild, all with the support of her daughter and son-in-law.
In August of 2023, Marie became a U.S citizen, an accomplishment of which she was extremely proud, especially at the age of 95.
Marie passed away on February 27, 2024, in the hospital, surrounded by family and friends every day leading up to her departure. She was sent off to the Lord with final blessings and a last kiss from her four-year-old great grandson. Her love will continue to live through her family.
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing hour on Saturday March 9, 2024 from 8-9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 9 AM in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1548 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.