Bernadette Abelard Claude's Obituary
Bernadette Abelard Claude, 79, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 08, 2023. Bernadette was born on October 10, 1944, to Saint Fort Abelard and Victoire Aimee Abelard in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was a beloved mother, a great wife, a wonderful sister, and a great friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Bernadette Abelard Claude lived a life of love, compassion, and dedication. She had a passion for going to church, and she was a devoted Christian. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading, watching the news, and telling longtime stories with her late wonderful husband of 53 years, Roger Claude, who passed away last year. Bernadette always found joy in sharing those passions with others.
She was known as a devoted working person. She accumulated 22 years of employment at the National Haitian Cement Company, a government-owned organization. She was promoted to the esteemed position of Chief Executive Secretary General. She gained valuable work experience during her early years at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She completed her secondary education at the prestigious School of Girls "Elie Dubois" in Haiti. She earned a business administration degree from Christ the King School in Port–au–Prince, Haiti.
Bernadette had a nurturing spirit and was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. She had a heart full of kindness and touched many lives through acts of generosity and selflessness. She will forever be remembered for caring for the most destitute in her city of Fontamara in Haiti. Her doors were always open, offering them food, clothing, and sometimes money. She was always donating to various Christian organizations in the United States.
Bernadette, AKA "Dedette," had a great sense of humor and brought laughter to every room she entered. She had a unique ability to make people feel at ease and always had a kind word to share. She profoundly impacted the lives of those around her and left behind a legacy of love and laughter.
Bernadette Abelard Claude is predeceased by her late husband, Roger Claude, her children Ronald, Clifford, Gardy, and Rachel Claude, whom she loved dearly. Her grandchildren Ashton, Ronald Claude Jr., Roxanne and Clifford Claude Jr., Cedric and Aidan Claude, Xavier Brice, and Tristan Brice.
She was a devoted spouse, a great mother, and a wonderful sister to her siblings. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her loving family.
Though Bernadette may no longer be with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will forever be remembered as a loving mother, a great-grandmother, and a cherished friend.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church 747 N.W. 43rd Street Gainesville, Fl. with Fr. Jose Kulathinal as celebrant. Interment will follow in Countryside Cemetery 10926 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.
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