Marie Elise Bertrand

The Life and Legacy of Marie Elise Bertrand

Marie Elise Bertrand, born October 1, 1946, in Marchand Dessalines, Haiti, to Isabelle Cherdiville and Sylverus Albert, both of whom predeceased her, and entered into God's eternal presence on October 15, 2024. She was the sixth of eight siblings, raised in a family full of love and resilience.

In 1978, Marie migrated to Stamford, Connecticut, where she built her life and dreams with her husband Joseph, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage and raising their two children, Pierre Bertrand and Belinda Bertrand. Together, they created a strong, faith-centered household, later making Orlando, Florida, their home.

Marie had a spirit of perseverance and diligence, working at Stamford Hospital for more than 10 years before spending 22 years at Walt Disney World as a housekeeper. She was highly respected for her hard work, integrity, and kindness. Her colleagues and supervisors admired her dedication, as she consistently went above and beyond in everything she did. Yet, her ambition extended beyond employment—Marie was an entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, she ran several businesses, including a clothing shop and convenience store, and invested in real estate, building a legacy through multiple rental properties.

But above all, Marie’s true passion was serving God. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith. If she wasn’t working her multiple jobs, you would find her at Bethany Haitian Assembly of God, where she served as a faithful member and devout servant of the Lord. Her Bible was never far from her side, always studying and praying. To Marie, nothing came before God. She poured her heart into spreading love, kindness, and the message of God’s grace. Everyone who met her saw the light of God shining through her.

Marie was known for her generosity. She opened her home to those in need, providing shelter, support, and hope for a better life. Helping family and friends migrate from Haiti to the U.S. was her mission, and she never hesitated to lift others up however she could. She was determined to ensure her children and everyone around her lived lives rooted in God’s word. Her strength was immeasurable, even in the face of illness, and she always remained steadfast, saying, “I am in the arms of God.” Prayer was her shield, and she hosted prayer meetings in her home regularly, believing deeply in the power of prayer to change lives.

At just 5 feet 1 inch, Marie was a giant in faith, character, and action. Her resilience and determination were unmatched. She was a loving and devoted mother, ensuring that her children, Pierre Richard Bertrand and Belinda Bertrand, were well-equipped for success. Her greatest joys were spending time with her grandson Justyn and his brother Noah, whom she cherished like her own grandson, cooking their favorite meals and making lasting memories together. She found peace in family trips to Haiti and took great pleasure in going on cruises with loved ones.

Marie was not only a pillar in her family but also deeply cherished by her close-knit circle of best friends. Her sister Alida, and her best friends, Dedette Cayo, Sr. Andre, Sylvani, Sr. Renel Dorceus, and Camila who were like sisters to her, and together, they shared countless memories of laughter, prayer, and unwavering support. Their friendship was a source of strength for Marie, and they were an integral part of her life, offering encouragement and faith during the many seasons she experienced.

Though her body faced challenges, Marie’s spirit was invincible. She remained strong, positive, and unshakeable in her faith. Her life was a true testimony of God’s goodness, and her memory will forever inspire those who knew her to live with love, strength, and faith.

Marie's legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her steadfast devotion to God, her unyielding strength, and her generosity will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a family deeply touched by her love and faith: her husband, Joseph Bertrand; her children, Pierre Richard Bertrand and Belinda Bertrand; her daughter in law Bre' Bertrand; her cherished grandchildren, Ayanna, Gabrielle, Cameron and Justyn Bertrand; her brothers, Joseph Clerveus Albert and Joseph Raphael Albert; and her sisters, Marie Alida Albert and Franciette Albert. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Myrtha Albert, Francia Rehbert, Bertha Albert, Elourdes Albert, Melifaite Albert, Barthelemy Albert, Clervil Albert, Gabrius Albert, Bobby Albert, Ernst Noel, Stanley Aime, Manick Albert, Jean Legos Albert, Wilquens Albert, Saidel Albert, and Athanese Albert, as well as her great-nieces and nephews, Samuel Rehbert, Asia Rehbert, Allen Raymond, Ashley Raymond, Jameel Raymond, and Jasmine Raymond along with a host of in-laws and extended family members.

The family would like to thank all those who stood by Marie and supported her throughout the years. Thank you to the Cayo family, Bonhomme family,Meanuhh Turnier, Shamir Bergeron, Rose Joly, Daniel Williams, The family of Joe and Shirley Cameron, Renee, Noah, the Burch family, Sr. Anita, Aline Morange, Sr.Talisna, Nanout, the staff at Davita Dialysis Center Ocoee, Pastor Lucas, members of Bethany Haitian Assembly, Apolone De Souza, Karen Michel, Nicole Horton Harris, the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office, Rock City Church, Southern Company Gas and to everyone who traveled near and far or showed their love and support during this time.

Marie’s legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She would always remind us, “God is good,” and her life was proof of that divine truth.