Aussilia Simon

Aussilia Simon was born on the 24th of December in 1951, in Plaisance, LaGonave, Haiti, to Tesan Almeron and Claresia Nature. She was the only child for her mother, Claresia and grew up alongside three siblings. Growing up, she had a nickname called “Yaya,” that many of her friends in Homestead continue to use today. 

At the age of three, Aussilia moved with her mother from her hometown to Gromangle. She began her early education at First Baptist Church in LaGonave and later attended the Nazarene Church for a period of time. Under the strong influence and mentorship of her mother, Aussilia developed the business and entrepreneurial mindset that defined her throughout her life. 

She began engaging in commerce at a very young age, importing goods from Gromangle to Saint-Marc to support her living and the needs of her first child, Jinette. In time, she met Cherilus Simon and the two were united in marriage. Together they welcomed eleven children. Sadly, six children passed away due to birth complications and early age sickness. Aussilia was preceded in death by her daughter Evelyne, who passed in 1999. Left to cherish her memories are her four children: Jinette, Christianiste, Zachary and Ernso. 

Aussilia was an active, devoted, and deeply loving mother who cherished her children day and night. Whenever one of her children was sick, she was always there, regardless of the hour. Her life journey took her across cities including LaGonave and Port-au-Prince and between 1980 and 1985 she came into the United States, temporarily leaving the younger children in Jinette’s care while she worked tirelessly to reunite her family. 

Through perseverance and determination, she gradually brought her children to the United States—Ernso and Christianiste in 1989, followed by Jinette, Zachary, Evelyne, J Judner, Roody and Frantz in 1990. To set an example for her children, she became a proud U.S. citizen in 2007. 

Aussilia was known as a hardworking provider, a playful and caring mother, and a loyal friend who always wanted the very best for her family. Her greatest wish was for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to remain close and united under one roof, even as they built families of their own. She was a devoted church member who faithfully served in many capacities, including the Senior Dames group, the Usher ministry, and greatly carried the title as a respected deaconess of the Regeneration Church of God committee. Aussilia was slow to anger and quick to laugh. She loved to joke, tell stories, and sing, filling every room with warmth and joy. 

Known as a merchant in Palm Coast, she was generous to a fault. She often provided goods on credit to those in need without hesitation. This spirit of compassion defined her as a nurturing wife, a mother to many, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. 

Vibrant, charming and resourceful, Aussilia was famous among her loved ones for her home remedies and healing touch. She was rarely sick or hospitalized and the family often joked that she was her own doctor. 

On February 4, she took her final breath while on her way to work, leaving this world with the same strength and determination that characterized her entire life. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, faith and resilience will forever be cherished and never forgotten. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her beautiful spirit lives on through the many lives she touched. Her love remains our guiding light, her strength our inspiration and her memory our treasure forever. Today we peacefully rest our beloved, Aussilia Yaya, Seur’m, Sr. Chery, Maren, Baby, Mommy Simon — your work here is done.