Nettie Jannini's Obituary
How do I summarize the life of such a powerful woman without forgetting some details? How do we say goodbye to our mother, the grandmother of three amazing young men and the cousin and friend to so many?
Nettie was born in Les Cayes October 23,1947 where she lived surrounded by aunts and uncles after her mother left the country in search of a better life. She later moved to Washington DC where she attended the Lycee Francais de Washington where she completed her Baccalaureate before attending Mount St Mary College in Newburg NY.
During that time she met married Alix Cajuste in 1967 and despite being pregnant with her first child Elodie finished her Bachelors degree. Moving back to Haiti in 1970 she soon had another daughter Dazne all while working with her husband at the time becoming pioneers in undercoating for cars (Expert Undercoating) this was the first for Haiti, and becoming the second company to facilitate money transfers to the Haiti between New York and Florida (Hayto Express).
Then one day came the joy of her life a baby boy Jean Marc, one would think of the scene from the lion king presenting Simba when it came to my brother. Yes he was the cutest with the smile, curls and always up to something attitude. My mom found her joie de vivre and her son became her universe until she transitioned.
Having worked as a teacher, a social worker, a business owner, an interpreter at Guantanamo Bay, finally retiring from being a senior political analyst for USAID in Haiti.
My mom loved traveling and we took as many cruises as we could and visited as many countries as possible. She was by far the best cook I know and generosity was one of her greatest attributes. Growing up my house was always open to all and food never lacked.
My memories of the parties at the house with Jean Coulanges, Auguste Guercy and Margaret, Papi Jacky, Carlito Labossiere and Momo, Jean and Yannick Vandal, Tante Michelle, Ace, Cecile, Frantz and Evelyne Behrmann just to name a few of the constant people who where around her all the time.
The last few years were not easy as my mother’s memory slowly became entangled between reality and illusion and she slowly retracted from the world. Her grandchildren Jaihr, Chad and Roger were what she talked about mostly and she rejoiced every time she saw them even when the visits became less frequent.
In my brother's words “ My mother was always there for me, no matter what I did, she would always forgive me, and always believed in me. Everything she did was for her children, she gave us a great upbringing. She had a big heart and wanted to help everyone.”
There is so much more I can say but one sheet of paper is not enough to summarize her life and accomplishments. So I will leave you with amazing memories, great food, lots of smiles, music and lasting friendships
Thank you Mom for everything you gave us, thank you for all your wisdom and values. Congratulations on completing your assignment this lifetime may your life successes and what you shared propel us to reach higher, be better and strive to make you proud.
Fly high Manman give Dilou and Ticocotte a kiss for us and don’t worry we will be ok.
Nettie leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law Dazne and Michael Webster, her son and daughter-in-law Jean-Marc and Biandra Cajuste and three grandsons Jaihr and Chad Francillon and Roger Alix Cajuste. She also leaves numerous cousins on the DeCastro, Jannini, and Barthelemy side. Her uncles and aunts Carl and Yolaine DeCastro, Marie Therese Munro, Anthony DeCastro, Edith Santana, Jean Barthelemy, Fritz Barthelemy, Lionel Barthelemy, Max Barthelemy, Guy Barthelemy, Reynold Barthelemy, Leda Barthelemy Jean, Romain Appolon and Gerard Jean.
What’s your fondest memory of Nettie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nettie?
Share a story where Nettie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nettie you’ll never forget.
How did Nettie make you smile?