Rose Mirva Leo

We gather here today to honor and remember the life of our beloved Rose Mirva Leo, who was born Rose Mirva Jean on July 27, 1959 to Clama Jean and Deliverance Pierre in the beautiful Cap-Haïtien, Haiti (aka the “Paris of the Antilles”). As the eldest of six children, Rose grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and care for her siblings, a trait that would define her entire life. Rose completed her early education at Saint Louis primary school in Quartier Morin and pursued further education at L’ecole Marie Rose Segondè. Following her studies, she dedicated her life to teaching at Baptist School in Quartier Morin where she inspired countless young minds with her passion and dedication. In January 1989, Rose met Marcel Leo in Quartier-Morin, Haiti. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were wed on July 6, 1989. In 1993, Rose moved to South Florida to be with her husband, Marcel. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Marsha Rafiu (née Leo) and Ruth Leo. Here, she worked as a Patient Care Technician at Holy Cross Hospital, where she served with compassion and dedication for 20 years. Among her colleagues and patients, she was admired for her immense kindness, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to caring for those in need. Rose’s spiritual journey was equally important to her. She accepted Christ at the age of 14 and was an active member of Eglise evangelique D'Haïti de la Rue 12E before coming to America and becoming an active member of First Haitian Baptist Church of Pompano in 1996; most notably she took pride in being a part of the Women’s Choir (Le Chant) and the Group Dame. She was a woman of prayer. Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with strength and solace through all of life’s challenges. She found joy in worshipping with song, listening to gospel music and sermons, reading her Bible, cooking, gardening, and finding bargains while shopping. She also prioritized giving back to the community through different outreach efforts and charities. In 2019, Rose became ill, a battle she faced with incredible courage and unwavering, steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus. Despite her illness, she remained a pillar of strength and an inspiration to all who knew her. She never lost her humor and warm smile. Her determination and positivity never wavered, even in the face of adversity. Rose leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, Godly wisdom and joy. She is survived by her devoted husband, Marcel Leo; her cherished daughters, Marsha Rafiu and Ruth Leo; her son-in-law, Adekunle Rafiu; and her beloved younger siblings: Sylvie “Violette” Jean, Yvon Jean, Denis Jean, Volvick Jean, and the late Louis Marie (also known as Ti Bab). She also leaves behind a host of close family members and cousins, dear friends and coworkers, and a loving church community who will forever hold her in their hearts. Today, we celebrate Rose’s life; a life filled with love, faith, devout servanthood to the Lord, and service to others. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and her memory will continue to inspire us all. As we bid her farewell, let us remember her with the same love and warmth she gave to us. May her soul rest in the Father’s eternal peace.

Rose Mirva Leo

July 27, 1959 - July 5, 2024