Gertha Brisard Mitton's Obituary
Gertha Brisard Mitton, better known as “Tita,” was born on April 20, 1935, in Saint-Michel, Haiti. Tita was the fourth of Lunie Rosarion and Joseph Brisard’s eleven children. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Tita grew up in Gonaives, where she met and married her husband of 55 years: Jean Luc “Lucky” Mitton in 1960. During her early married days, she was a teacher in Gonaives. At the age of 28, Tita lost her mother. She then took on the responsibility of raising her ten siblings, the youngest of whom was only 13. Her responsibilities grew even further when she became a mother to her first child Katia. Despite the obligations of motherhood, Tita never neglected her siblings. To this day, they continue to be a tight-knit group. Many call each other daily just to say “Koman ou ye?” In 2009, the family honored Tita by recognizing her as “Mother of the Year.” She was astonished by the overwhelming show of love and appreciation for all she had done for the family. Many people noted that Tita was a second mother to them. In 1970, Tita and Lucky took a courageous step to leave their familiar surroundings in Haiti and move to Brooklyn, New York to build a new life for their growing family. It was there that their son Rodney was born. While minding two young children of her own during the early years in New York, Tita did some babysitting to help support the household. She then worked as a shipping clerk for 25 years until she retired and happily took on the job of “Grandma” to look after her grandchildren. Tita leaves behind her daughter Katia, son-in law Ronald, son Rodney, grandchildren Katrena and Tyrell, her brothers, sister, and dozens of nieces, nephews, beloved extended family, and close friends.
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