Micheline Saint-Jean Obituary (2025)

Micheline Bernadette St. Jean, a radiant soul whose life was anchored in faith and love, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on March 3, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina by way of Jamaica, Queens, New York; surrounded by the devoted care of her oldest child, Daphney. Born in Ti Bouk-Le Borgne, Haiti, on September 29, 1952, Micheline’s journey carried her across oceans and generations, from her cherished Caribbean roots to 35+ years as a beloved pillar of her Jamaica, Queens, New York City community, where she lived from 1983 until she relocated to South Carolina to be with her daughter for her final days. A devout Christian, Micheline’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Through every trial and triumph, she leaned on the promises of Scripture, often reciting Psalm 23 to her children: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” Her trust in God’s provision was unshakable, and she instilled this faith deeply in her three beloved children—Daphney, Steve, and Marcus—raising them to walk with integrity, practice forgiveness, and extend compassion to all. For decades, Sundays at The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Queens were sacred to Micheline, who worshipped fervently and encouraged her family to seek God’s presence in every season of life. As a mother, Micheline considered her children her greatest achievements; nurturing them not only with Haitian traditions and her famed soup joumou but with spiritual wisdom. She taught them to pray without ceasing, to serve humbly, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the path grew dark. Her Queens home, a haven for over 35 years, echoed with hymns, bedtime prayers, and the gentle reminder that “grace is a gift we give as freely as we receive it.” For over 20 years, Micheline served her Queens community as a nursing assistant, viewing her work as an extension of her Christian calling. She tended to her clients with the tenderness of the Good Samaritan, often whispering prayers over them as she worked. Colleagues marveled at her ability to blend practical care with spiritual warmth, calling her “an angel in scrubs.” Though her heart belonged to God and family, Micheline embraced life’s simple joys. She became an enthusiastic NBA fan through her sons Steve & Marcus, cheering for Kobe Bryant’s tenacity and Steph Curry’s artistry. NBA Game nights in Queens were lively affairs, punctuated by her witty commentary and declarations that Curry’s three-pointers were “divinely inspired.” Micheline’s final chapter in Charleston, South Carolina, was marked by the same love she had poured into others. Her daughter Daphney lovingly ensured her mother’s comfort and peace, a testament to the bonds Micheline had nurtured so fiercely. Her legacy endures in her children, her steadfast faith in community, and the countless lives she uplifted with her quiet acts of love. In her final days, Micheline’s favorite words brought comfort: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Today, her family rejoices in knowing she rests in that promise; “Lache Ké w” her heart forever free, forgiving, and full of grace. She is survived by her children, Daphney, Steve, and Marcus. She is also survived by her siblings Loriston, Elvie, Taly, and Dieurfort; her nephew who was more like a brother Mesadieu and his wife Huguette & their sons Bertrand & Bernard ; her niece Eugenie Claude and family; and countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family over the years. In lieu of flowers, honor Micheline’s spirit by extending forgiveness, helping someone in need, or donating to a charity serving Haiti’s vulnerable communities & communities throughout the world.