Marie Anne Saintvil

Marie Anne Celie Alemy was born on April 14, 1943, to Anovil Alemy and Elise Depre-Alemy. She was born in Leogane, Haiti, and raised in LaGonave, Haiti with her siblings, Marie Germaine Jean Louis, Jeanette Philogene, Emma Dorvil, Solange St. Plite,Guypson Alemy, Julus Alemy, and the late Anne Alemy. 

On May 24, 1969, she married Jean-Louis Paul Fils Saint-Vil, the love of her life, and became Marie Anne Saint-Vil. For 57 years, their marriage was a testimony of covenantlove and faithfulness. Within their marriage they birthed 4 children together: Fritz Paulson, Pierre Nickson, Betthy, and Bellygram Saint-Vil. And God blessed them with 2 bonus daughters, Olguine Pierre and Magaly Saint-Vil. 

Marie was an industrious woman who wore many hats. She went to school to become a seamstress. Her business was so successful that she also became a teacher to many, teaching them how to build their own business. In January 1974, she migrated to America. Wherever she went, she brought wisdom, hard work, and a spirit that helped others grow. 

But the strongest part of Marie’s story is her love for God and her belief in Jesus. Marie was sharp, resilient, non-judgmental, and steady. She was a strong pillar in the family, and she was a prayer warrior. When people were hurting, she prayed. When someone needed covering, she prayed. The Bible says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16), and Marie lived that. 

And because of her love for God, she taught herself to read so she could be faithful to reading her Bible. 

Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. But what she loved the most was serving others, through fellowshipping, cooking warm, hearty meals, giving to those in need, and diligently praying for everyone. Marie embodied the Proverbs 31 woman. “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shallrejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25). And, “A woman who fears the Lord, she shallbe praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Today we praise God for her life.

She leaves behind son and daughters’ in-law, Peter Dotsey, Marie SaintVil, and Nadege SaintVil; grand-kids, Benjador Edmond, Louisa Dotsey, Jerry Pierre, Gregory Pierre, Bianca Pierre, Vanessa Saintvil, Dwayne Saintvil, Linsa Clerville, Ashley Clerville, Kesha Clerville, Jayden Kinnitt, Cairo SaintVil, Hylee SaintVil, and a host of nieces and nephews to carry on her legacy. And as we remember her, we do not grieve without hope. Marie believed in Jesus, and her life leaves us a clear message: hold on to God, love your family, serve people well, and never stop praying!