Adelina Baptiste

Eulogy for Adelina Doré Baptiste (Mom-Simon) We gather today with both sorrow and gratitude as we honor the beautiful life Adelina Doré Baptiste- a woman of unwavering faith, resilience, and generosity who left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Born on February 11, 1942, in Cayemite Pestel, Haiti to Justina Doré and St. Jean Baptiste, Adelina was raised with deep-rooted values of family, faith and hard work. At 18, she left her hometown to seek greater opportunities and soon found love. On May 19, 1962, she married her beloved husband, Examon Vertus, at Sacre Coeur, Haiti, beginning a lifelong journey of love and devotion. A Life of Dedication and Service A natural entrepreneur, Adelina was a merchant who traveled across the Caribbean- Panama, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.- to build a better future for her family. She worked tirelessly, not just for herself but to uplift those around her. Beyond her profession, her true legacy was her compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and mentor, she was a source of strength, wisdom and kindness. She treated everyone with love and welcomed many into her home and heart as an adoptive mother, a cherished aunt, and a lifelong friend. Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of L’Élise de Dieu Rue du Centre, Haiti, for over 40 years she led the Women’s Group, dedicated herself to charity work, and ensured that children in the congregation had shoes to start the school year. Twice a year, she traveled to the countryside bringing aid to those in need, because giving was not just something she did- it was who she was. Her Strength and Resilience Adelina faced life’s greatest trials with faith and perseverance. She survived the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake, which devasted her homeland, took countless lives, and changed Haiti forever. Through she grieved for her people, her love for her country never faded. She continued her mission of helping others, always finding ways to bring hope. In 2020, amid the uncertainty of COVID-19, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her only sister. The pain of losing a lifelong companion was deepened by the isolation of the pandemic, but her faith gave her strength. Then in 2022, she endured the unimaginable- the loss of her beloved daughter. Her daughters, her son and grandchildren were the heart of her world, and this loss shook her deeply. Yet, even in grief she poured her love into her family, ensuring that the foundation of love she built remained strong. Through earthquakes, pandemics, and personal loss, Adelina’s spirit never wavered. She believed in God’s plan, the power of love and the strength of family. Her Faith Through Scripture and Song Her favorite scripture, Exodus 10:14, speaks of perseverance and faith through adversity- a reflection of how she endured life’s trials, always trusting in God’s renewal after every storm Her favorite hymn, Chant d’Espérance #195- “J’ai Soif Ta Présence”, was her prayer in song, expressing her longing for God’s presence and strength. This hymn was not just a melody; it was her comfort, her faith, and her testimony. A Legacy That Lives On Adelina’s greatest joy was her family, she found happiness in spending time with loved ones, watching her favorite gospel channels, and continuing her mission of giving. She loved deeply, and generously, and lived fully. Though she is no longer with us, her love, kindness, and unwavering faith remains in the hearts of all she touched. As we say goodbye, let us celebrate her life, honor her legacy of love, and find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in God’s presence. Rest in eternal peace, Mom-Simon. Your light will never fade.

Adelina Baptiste

February 11, 1942 - February 22, 2025