Betty Aristide

We are gathered here to honor the life of Betty Aristide, affectionately known as “BeBette” and “Gran-ma”,  one of God's prayerful warriors whom He has called home. During her time with us, Betty Aristide made a lasting impression and impacted many lives. Born May 8, 1959 in Port au Prince, Haiti, Betty was the daughter of Rosemarie Desruisseau and Guy Jean. She was raised in a loving family where faith, hard work, and respect for others were deeply valued. She was the second eldest child in her family, preceded by her half-sister, Karnine Jean Joseph, and followed by her younger siblings Ralph Jean, and Martine Jean-Charles. Growing up in Port au Prince, Haiti, as a child, she enjoyed playing, laughing, and eating ice cream. At the age of eight, she embarked on her first adventure to the United States, traveling with her siblings to Chicago. It was there that she experienced her first great loss with the passing of her father in 1972. Following her return back to Haiti, she would later meet her neighbor, Romuald Aristide, who soon became the love of her life, in 1975. It wasn't until 1976 where she found herself once again journeying to America. This time leaving behind her true love at the tender age of 17. Once settled in Brooklyn, NY, she became homesick for the love she had left behind, and together they planned to be reunited. At the time, what was to be a short visit, ended up being a life's long journey.

In 1981, Betty and Romuald Aristide entered into holy matrimony in a joyous double wedding ceremony alongside Betty's sister, Martine Jean-Charles, in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by family and friends. Shortly thereafter, they established their home in Queens, New York, where they began building a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to one another. 

Blessed by God, Betty and Romuald expanded their family with the birth of four children and went on to share 45 years of love, companionship, and unwavering commitment. Throughout their marriage, they remained steadfast partners, leaning on one another and drawing strength from their faith in God during both seasons of joy and times of profound sorrow.

In the early years of their union, they endured significant loss and heartache. In 1986, Betty mourned the sudden passing of her younger brother, Ralph Jean, who had recently earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences at just 23 years of age. Four years later, in 1990, she suffered another devastating loss with the passing of her beloved mother, Rosemarie Jean, following a medical emergency at the age of 56. More recently, the passing of her beloved sister-in-law Valentine Patricia Aristide, in 2025, and her beloved Aunt “Tante Mama”, in 2026. Through these trials, Betty's faith in God and the love she shared with her family remained a source of strength and resilience.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Rosemarie, a Registered Nurse and educator, Betty began her lifelong devotion to helping others as a Registered Nurse after graduating from Long Island University Nursing School -Brooklyn Campus in 1986. She worked as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) while successfully completing this rigorous program. Shortly after, she dedicated herself to serving those in need, starting with her first position at Peninsula Hospital in Queens, New York. From 1988 to 1998, she continued her career at the medical facility on Rikers Island, operated by Montefiore Medical Center. After moving to Florida in 1998, she cultivated eminent clinical positions across premier long-term care institutions and nationally recognized teaching hospitals such as Florida Hospital (now known as AdventHealth), serving diverse patient populations and advancing her professional expertise through 2007. Beginning in 2007, she advanced her distinguished nursing career at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn New York, where she further cultivated her commitment to compassionate care as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. While serving in this role until 2018, she combined clinical expertise with unwavering empathy, providing comfort, dignity, and support to those facing mental health challenges. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership were evident as she took on roles as a manager and shift lead, inspiring those around her. She served at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital from 2018 to 2020, marking the final chapter of her professional journey in healthcare before retiring at the age of 62 in August of 2020. Throughout her tenure, she remained steadfast in her commitment to compassionate care, excellence in nursing, and serving her community, leaving a lasting legacy among the patients, colleagues, and institutions she touched. Her commitment to excellence and the care she provided were recognized through several esteemed awards and honors throughout her career.

She received numerous accolades, commendations, and awards throughout her remarkable career. She was a distinguished and highly respected registered nurse who was deeply loved by her managers, coworkers, and patients alike. Some of those awards include: “Nurse of the Year” “Best Caregiver” “World's Best Nurses 2020”, several Nurse of the Month accomplishments, Nurse Leader, and “Unsung Hero Award”. Her dedication and recognition extended far beyond her 35-year nursing career. Alongside her husband of 45 years, she was deeply rooted in her faith and involved in the Seventh-day Adventist Church community, where they played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the church. Together, they contributed to the construction and building efforts of several churches, while nurturing and strengthening the faith community through their service, commitment, and unwavering devotion to others. As a testament to their philanthropic contributions, they were honored with the prestigious Honneur & Mérite Award from the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Fond des Blancs, Haiti in 2025 for their generous contributions, vital reconstruction of the church, and their devoted engagement. 

Raised in the Catholic faith, she experienced a divine calling that guided her spiritual journey toward the Seventh-day Adventist faith. In 1987, she was baptized in Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, and her devoted husband soon joined her. They began a shared path of faith and service. Betty was truly a woman after God’s own heart. She was a prayer warrior who spent her life and time reading her Bible, spreading the word of Jesus, and instilling core Godly values into her children. She was heavily involved in and often led prayer groups, Bible study groups, choirs, and mission trips. She selflessly dedicated her time and talents to several Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout her life, including Elmont Mahanaim Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York; Bethel French Seventh-day Adventist Church and Guilgal French Seventh-day Adventist Church in Orlando, Florida; Maranatha in Brooklyn, New York; Ephese French Seventh-day Adventist Church in Amityville, New York; and finally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Fond Des Blanc, where she spent her remaining years deepening her relationship with Christ. Wherever she worshiped—whether in New York or Florida—her presence, compassion, and commitment to service left a lasting impact, and her legacy continues to live on within the communities she touched.

Among Betty’s greatest qualities was her kindness, selflessness, and love for God. Her greatest and most enduring impact, however, was the legacy of love she created through her family. Betty was blessed with four children: Kenny Romuald Aristide, born in 1982, who is married to Milka Labady Aristide, and together they blessed her with four grandchildren—Kaydence, Kaleb, Kacen, and Kaylani; Katutchka Aristide-Meyers, born in 1986, who is married to Miguel Meyers, and together they blessed her with two grandchildren—Hadassah and Isabelle; Farelle Dexaus, born in 1987, who blessed her with two grandchildren—Olivia and Wynter; and Jerline Aristide Pierre, born in 1995, who is married to Belaut Pierre. The values she instilled—compassion, dedication, resilience, faith, and the importance of education—continue to guide her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she influenced. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and through the countless acts of love, service, and perseverance she demonstrated each day.

Betty shared a deep and motherly bond with her beloved aunt, whom she affectionately called “Tante Mama, ” and with her aunt’s children, Joan Jean Charles, Sabine Celestine, and Galia Derissaint. Their relationship was built on love, guidance, and a lasting connection that remained a cherished part of Betty’s life. Betty deeply cherished family and believed that life's greatest blessings were found in togetherness. Of her siblings, her beloved sisters, Karnine Jean Joseph and Martine Jean-Charles, remain as the last surviving members of their immediate family. She held them close to her heart and treasured the lifelong bond they shared.

Cherishing her memory and carrying forward her legacy of faith, love, and family are her devoted husband of 45 years, Romuald Aristide; her beloved children, Kenny Aristide, Katutchka Aristide Meyers, Farelle Aristide, and Jerline Aristide Pierre; her cherished grandchildren, Kaydence Joy Aristide, Kaleb Kenny Aristide, Kacen Rome Aristide, Kaylani Grace Aristide, Hadassah Azarieyah Meyers, Isabelle Solarah Meyers, Olivia Gabriella Dexaus, Wynter Gabriella Dexaus; her loving sisters Karnine Jean Joseph and Martine Jean-Charles; her beloved nieces and nephews, Narnike Pierre, Natalie Grant, Reginald Jean-Charles, Franztchesca Decade, Kevin Jean-Charles, Erickson Cesar, Carlen Voigt, Ramsey Jean, Gorethie Jean, Carane Jean, Pierreline Charles, Pierre Charles Jr., who were blessed to experience her unwavering love, faith, wisdom, and motherly-care; dearest in-laws Jean Rodriguez “RoRo” Aristide, Edriste Jean, Paula Aristide; and her beloved four-legged grandson Bentley Bartholomew Pierre.

Also cherishing her memory are Joan Jean Charles, Sabine Celestine, and Galia Derissaint who held a special place in her heart. Whom she helped nurture, guide, and love as her own. Having shared a close and cherished bond with their mother, whom Betty loved as a mother figure, she lovingly embraced and helped guide them throughout their lives, creating a relationship that extended far beyond family ties. This also extends to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, faith, wisdom, and unwavering love. 

Devoted and selfless, Betty lived a life surrendered to the will of God and dedicated to serving others. A true woman after God's own heart, she faithfully shared His love and led many to accept Christ as their Savior. Through her steadfast faith, compassion, and service, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. 

Betty was a devoted wife, loving sister, cherished mother and grandmother, and a treasured friend to many. Her warm spirit, generous heart, and unwavering support brought comfort,encouragement, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she has heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” and now rests as she waits for the presence of the Lord and Savior who she served so faithfully. Her life stands as a beautiful testament to God's grace, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.  " Matthew 25: 23