Simone Emmanuel

Simone Emmanuel was born on May 4, 1939, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the only child of Evelina Calice. From an early age, her life was guided by faith. She attended Catholic elementary school in 1945 under the instruction of Catholic nuns and later graduated from "École de Management," a Catholic finishing school for young women, where she studied etiquette, home management, and life skills. In 1958 she pursued vocational training, becoming a seamstress and beginning studies in cosmetology.
It was during this time that she met Raphael Emmanuel, a young military officer. Though she was initially hesitant, Raphael's persistence and devotion eventually won her heart. They married in 1963 in one of Port-au-Prince's grand cathedrals in a celebrated ceremony when Simone was 24 years old.
In 1971, Simone immigrated to the United States to join family members in Somerville, Massachusetts, where she prepared a home for her husband's arrival. Soon after, they welcomed their son, Kenneth. While raising her family, Simone worked for 25 years at Unitrode Electronics and also built side businesses as a hairdresser and tailor, putting her skills from Haiti to work. In 1979 she fulfilled her dream of opening her own store, selling imported clothing, home décor, and fine goods to the Haitian community. Though a devastating fire destroyed the store in 1981, Simone's resilience never wavered.
After this, she shifted careers into healthcare after 25 years of working at Unitrode Electronics, becoming a home health aide and later earning certification as a nursing technician working for many Boston area hospitals and healthcare agencies. She worked tirelessly often holding two or three jobs at a time while caring for her son, supporting her mother, and ensuring her family's future. Her strength, sacrifice, and work ethic embodied the American dream she pursued.
Faith was the foundation of Simone's life. After years in the Catholic tradition, she converted to Baptist Christianity with her mother, joining Boston Missionary Baptist Church in Dorchester, where she was an early and devoted member. Her faith deepened further after the passing of her beloved mother in 2003, and in 2005 she joined Philadelphie Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Malden, where she remained a faithful member until her passing. Known for opening her home, prayer meetings, and missionary spirit, Simone devoted her life to God and to helping others in need through prayer and counseling. She would say in a very serious tone "I am married to God, he is my husband".
The one common theme throughout my mother's life is that she stayed close to God and worshipped him no matter her struggles. She was the hardest working person I have ever met in my life. She cared for me and for my grandmother for the bulk of her life and never complained. She was caring for me up until her passing on Sept 24th 2025. She taught me about hard work, integrity, sacrifice, loyalty and to be God fearing. My respect and love for her go far beyond that of a mother-son relationship, she was my rock. I will miss her and will never forget her. I will honor her memory by living the way she taught me to live and abide by God's law.
Simone Emmanuel passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts after suffering a heart attack which weakened her to the point of non-recovery. She leaves behind her son, Kenneth J. Emmanuel I; her grandchildren, Ariella E. Emmanuel, Jacquelin D. Emmanuel, Sylvanna N. Emmanuel, and Kenneth N. Emmanuel II; and her great-grandson, Ashton G. Dwyer.
Simone will be remembered as a woman of faith, sacrifice, resilience, and boundless love for her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and servant of God who taught those around her the values of Godly behavior, integrity, loyalty, and hard work. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
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