Mirelle Petitmarc

On June 24, 1950, in grande-Goâve, Haiti, Mirielle Petitmarc was born-a strong, resourceful woman who would go on to shape and bless many lives. From a young age, Mirielle was entrepreneurial. She made and sold shoes and crafted douce kokoye (coconut candy), selling her goods in Port-au-Prince to support her family.

But life changed drastically in August 1981, when political and economic turmoil in Haiti forced Mirielle to seek refuge. On September 20, 1981, while pregnant with her son David, she bravely boarded a boat to the United States. During the month-long journey, she formed a close friendship with Jean Paul-a bond that would last a lifetime.

Upon arriving in Miami, Florida, Mirielle was detained by immigration and spent three months in a tent camp at 177 NW 12th Ave. In November 1981, she and Paul were released. They chose to stay in Miami for a year, adjusting to life in a new country.

On April 16, 1982, Mirielle gave birth to her son David Petitmarc. Just three months after giving birth, she began working again-harvesting fruits and vegetables. Her hard work and determination soon allowed her to travel for seasonal labor in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland.

In November 1982, she returned to Florida and settled in Immokalee, continuing her work while supporting her children in Haiti: Guerline, Jackson, and Myrlande, as well as her newborn son Davidin the U.S. Between late 1982 and mid-1983, she traveled north again for work, but by 1985, she returned to Florida and settled in Fort Pierce. There, she reunited with Paul at a harvesting farm. Eventually, she transitioned to restaurant work, becoming a dishwasher. On March 2, 1986, she welcomed her youngest son, Manice.

Reuniting Her Family in the U.S.

In 1986, Mirielle brought her two eldest children, Guerline and Jackson, to the U.S. In April 1993, she brought her daughter Myrlande at age 17. All of her children-Guerline, Jackson, David, Manice, and Myrlande-eventually lived with her in Fort Pierce, on 8th Avenue.

Mirielle worked tirelessly to support her children and family back in Haiti. Known for her firm discipline and high standards, she was a strict and loving mother who valued education, hard work, and staying out of trouble. She received her US citizenship in 2014.

Community, Faith, and Daily Life

Mirielle became well known in Fort Pierce, not just for her hard work but for her joyful spirit. She sold merchandise at the flea market, frequently visiting neighborhood garage sales to resell items and provide for others. She babysat friends' children, always extending her love to others.

She later moved to Alma Court, where she became close with her neighbors, especially Paulette. Every Saturday, they would go get their hair done for church.

Mirielle was an active member of the Nazarene Church, where she met Pastor Fritz and made many friends. She loved participating in church activities and always dressed beautifully.

Her favorite foods were steamed fish head, yam, sweet potatoes, Haitian Chaka, mangos and ice-cold soda. She loved Popeyes, McDonald's, and always had her radio close by, tuned to the Haitian radio station. She loved to cook. Cooking was her thing she would cook some of her favorite foods that would include Haitian cuisine for her children and the community as well make eggs and sausage.

Grandmother & Matriarch

Mirielle cherished her role as a grandmother. Her eldest daughter gave her three beloved grandchildren: Jenior, Michelle, and Angela. She loved having them visit her in Fort Pierce, always offering snacks, grapefruit from work, and even small gifts of 50 cents to a dollar as tokens of love. She remained a nurturing and loyal figure-always helping, always giving, always caring.

Later Years & Final Days

Even in her later years, Mirielle continued working-at packing houses and shipping Pepe (used clothes) to Haiti. She finally retired at age 62. On June 29, 2019, her family threw her the biggest birthday celebration at Alma Court. Just a month later, however, she suffered a fall and was hospitalized. Her health began to decline, and she moved into a rehabilitation center, where she became well-loved by staff and residents alike. Despite her challenges, her children, grandchildren, and Paul remained by her side-visiting daily and ensuring her comfort.

A Peaceful Goodbye & Legacy of Love

On the morning of September 5, 2025, at 6:00am, Mirielle Petitmarc peacefully departed this world. Mirielle leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, generosity, and faith. She was a pillar of strength, a mother who sacrificed everything for her children, a grandmother who gave endlessly, and a friend to many. Let us remember her as a loving, caring, joyful, loyal, and yes-a strict parent, who lived life with purpose and passion. Her spirit lives on in every life she touched. Left to remember and cherish her love are her loving husband: Paul; her precious children: Guerline, Jackson, Myrlande, David, Manice; grandchildren: Keshawn, Anika, Jazmyn, Antwan, Anayah, Ma'Laysia, Makyiden, Major, Samuel, Crystala, Michelle, Angela. Jenior's, Jason, Ja'Keisha, Jazzmine; great grandchildren: Lechae, Jaidyn, Kaiden, Eli; best friends: Anita, Belfort, Paulette; and a host of other family and friends throughout Fort Pierce and Haiti who will miss her deeply.

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