Marie-Mercie Joachim

Marie-Mercie Joachim, known as Man Vé, was born on November 24, 1938, at Bois-de-Laurince, Haiti. She was the eldest of four children. She grew up in Ouanaminthe, where she met and married the love of her life, Venix Joachim on December 28th, 1963. From this union were born 5 children (4 living): Marie-Guilene (Maggie), Armand, Hervé, Lynda and Yvon-Emmanuel (departed only a few days after his birth). Marie was a dedicated Wife, Mother, Schoolteacher, Homemaker, friend and a great community leader. She was a phenomenal, hardworking woman who made a great impression on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She wore many hats and lived a selfless life. She navigated life through her smile which was so inviting and contagious. If one word could describe her, it would be “Inspirational”. She had a way about her that drew people and made everyone feel like family: It was very common for visitors to stop at her house before leaving town. She raised many besides her own children: she was a “Mom” to many. She was very energetic and so full of life. She had her health challenges, but you would not know it by the way she carried herself. As a matter of fact, in December 2017, she needed to have a 3rd surgery that would amputate her right (good) leg below the knee. When it was explained to her the implication of that surgery and how it would impact her life; her response was simple yet resolute: I choose life! After the surgery she never complained of her new state; she was always thanking God for life, for a second chance. She rose above the situation and found ways to encourage and inspire others. She instilled a great deal of values into her grandchildren and wanted them to achieve their greatest potential in life, she wanted them to be their best! In early 2018, Marie was stable enough to move from GA to come live with her daughter in Florida. She enjoyed the experience until the very end. In October 2019, something happened that would change the course of her life for eternity: she chose to follow the footsteps of her husband, Venix and her daughters. She came to understand the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. As a result, she repented and got baptized in the name of Jesus on October 27th, 2019. The one cloud of that day was the fact that all her family and friends were not there to witness her new birth experience. She had a strong desire for all to have the same. And to the choir of the Catholic church of Ouanaminthe, she felt a special burden to physically travel to Haiti to share her wonderful experience with you. In her own words, and with tears in her eyes, she said this, and I quote: “Vé, fok nou alé Ouanaminthe pou n’al patagé expérience sa-a: cé responsabilité nou”. On the eve of July 29th, at the age of 81, this “legend” went home to be with the Lord. We know one day we shall be all together again! We are sad that you are no longer with us, but this is a celebration of your life! As you have opened your home to many and never asked for anything in return, we are certain that the Lord has received you home. Mammy, you will always be remembered for your generosity; your kindness towards others; your sacrifice and your beautiful smile. Marie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Venix; • Her 4 children: Maggie, Armand and his wife Linda, Herve and Lynda; • Her 12 grandchildren: Loudwige, Laura, Armanda Samie, Kassandra Marie, Stephanie, Miriam, Jassyra and Jallyl, Carly; Kevin, Dorcha and Armandy Fabrice. • Her 5 great-grandchildren. • Her siblings and their families: Nanotte & Arnold Obbey and children (Nathalie & Children; Allen); Suze & Louis-Mathieu Euzebe and children (Richard, Jina & Romel Jerome & children); Jean-Claude & Marthe Bien-Aime and Children (Sandya & family; Stanley; Gregory & Brittnie and children). • A host of cousins, and friends. The following families are mourning you: They are Joachim, Bien-Aimé, Bond, BwaBwa, Cadet, Charles, Euzebe, Jerome, Obbey, Ostie, Pierre-Louis, Pyram & Raphael. And so many more... To an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, you are loved, you are missed, and will never be forgotten. Your memory and legacy lives on… Until we meet again!