Mrs. Therese Isma was born on March 19, 1928 in St Louis du Nord, Haiti. She was the first born of four children from her mother Cereste Dorgile and the fourth of seven children from her father Charite Isma.

She was an amazing single mother with four children: Tanis, Fritz, Annette and Marc. As a young mother, she was relentlessly passionate about providing for her four children. She loved her children like no other. She was not only a small retailer(commerce) selling at the market, but also, she owned two small farms(jardins) which she was directly cultivating. She was a tireless worker, and nothing was too hard for her to do. With the little money she earned from selling things, she was able to provide for her kids and their education. She did not know how to read or write, but she knew so well the importance of her children having a good education. All her children attended the best primary schools in St Louis du Nord.

Her hard work started to pay off when she started to travel back and forth to the US starting from 1987. In 1992, after she was granted her permanent residency, she made the decision to stay in the US. She was the ultimate independent woman. She liked being independent and making her own decision about her daily life.

After living a short while with her children, she moved to her own apartment in 2001. She was so happy!! Finally, no one could tell her what to eat and how much to eat, who she could talk to and what subject…….:). Her favorite dish was planting, yam and fish. She ate that every day, and twice daily most of the times. That was her diet, and she did not care about anything else. She loved to talk both on the phone and in person. Although her physical abilities became somewhat restricted at 96 years old, she was mentally strong and resilient.

A short while after she moved to her apartment in 2001, she became a Christian and attended Hope Church of Nazarene in Miami. She went to church every Sunday and became a member of the church choir group where she used to sing with the group. Less than two years ago, due to her health conditions slightly deteriorating, her children made the decision for her to go back and live with her son Fritz.

She lived a long and happy life, and all her children, friends and family members are grateful for the blessing of having her for so long. Even in her final week before she went to the hospital, she was living as an independent woman with all her children supporting her. She lived her life the way she wanted. She fought until her body could no longer fight. After being admitted to Aventura Hospital for about one week with lungs symptoms(difficulty breathing), she transitioned to be with the Lord on December 13, 2024 with her family by her side. She will always be in the heart of her children and those who loved her. Rest In Peace….

She leaves behind: