Anne Dépestre Saint-Amand, the last survivor of six children, was born to the parentage of the late Mr. Joseph Dépestre and Amentha Alies on December 20, 1906 in Jacmel, Haiti. “Mamie Anne” as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, completed her primary and secondary schooling in Haiti. After her studies, she went into nursing. As a loving and caring woman, Anne pledged her love unconditionally in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Laurent Saint-Amand, a young physician, on October 6, 1926, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Lord blessed their union with 3 (three) beautiful children: Renault (Nono), Ulrick (Rico) and Gladys. Together they raised them with love, devotion, faith and a strong sense of self worth. They made sure their children knew God first, their Haitian culture and the will to serve.
Anne was a hard working mother who strived to succeed and who cared deeply for all of her children. She loved her family and her family loved and cherished her in return. She instilled the highest level of morals and values into her children who will undoubtedly pass on the same teachings to their children as part of her legacy. A very conservative, calm and humble person, Mamie Anne was the prototype of a good spouse and mother. During her years of marriage her main orientation lay in the nurturing of her family and the passing on of life enriching values and principles.
With the death of her beloved husband in 1972, rather than fade into the shadows of widowhood like so many of her peers, Mamie Anne knew she had to go on and continue to set an example for her family. She evolved into what was necessary for the survival of both her immediate and extended family. She embraced change and became a more liberal and dynamic risk-taker, realizing all of her and her late husband's dreams.
Anne’s love and devotion flowed from her heart to her family and then her community. She had a giving heart. As a faithful servant of the Lord, she loved to talk about Christ and share words of encouragement with everyone her life touched. Mamie Anne's renewed faith and devotion to God and herself became the glue that unified her three children, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Anne enjoyed attending church and spending time with her family and friends. Anyone who became acquainted with her quickly realized that she had a good heart and a wonderful spirit. She was filled with a deep love for God, immeasurable loyalty, steadfast beliefs, and an undying love for her family.
Anne was a true woman of God. A woman of love. A woman of inner peace. She leaves behind a legacy of greatness that must have no ending. We must continue what she has started here in this life. She will never be forgotten. She will be remembered for all her kind ways towards everyone.
As for Anne, she has just embarked on a new journey. Although we cannot see her, we know that she is gone, for God has promised us a home throughout all eternity where life and love continue far beyond what we can see.
On Sunday, August 13, 2006, Anne entered into paradise. We know that she is gone in the flesh but she will always be in our hearts. Her singing will always ring out in our hearts forever. Her kindness can never be replaced. Servant of God well done, rest from thy love employ, the battles’ fought, the victory won enter Thy Master’s joy.
We all thrived on her love and we will continue her legacy. Chère Mamie Anne, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything. We love you very much.
Kisses from all of us