Marie Jose Jean-Michel

Marie Jose Jean-Michel entered eternal rest on June 13th 2026. Born on March 6, 1950 in Port au Prince, Haiti, she was the eldest of four. At an early age she was handed significant responsibility as she grew up with her mother and four aunts. Being the oldest of her generation she was often tasked with looking after her siblings and extended younger cousins whenever her aunts and mother had other things to tend to. As a child and into her adolescence she was known as "Ti Kodak" because of her sharp memory and ability to recall details after only a brief moment. This made getting away with trouble nearly impossible in her presence.

An ambitious child growing up, she was offered the opportunity to study medicine by a loving aunt who took her as her own daughter. She left Haiti in her early 20's to pursue medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Universidad Autónoma De Guadalajara. At 26 she earned her medical degree and stayed in Mexico for some time opening a small clinic to hone her skills. However, after some time she grew anxious to be near family and with a suggestion from an aunt relocated to New York to be closer to family and establish herself in the U.S.

It would take Fifi as she was affectionately known by famliy, many years to get established. From traveling back to her home country then Jamaica, Guyana, back to Mexico and finally New York doing residencies, clinicals, and studying for exams to earn her credentials in America. In 2000 she solidified her M.D. in the states and a year later moved to the RGV to continue her long tenure in the south. She was a Board Certified Pediatrician licensed in New York, Texas, and Florida, spoke four languages fluently, including her native Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and finally English. Although accomplished she never made a stink about it and you'd never know unless you caught her in that role. She oftened lacked the awareness of her exceptionality saying anybody could do it if they really wanted.

Marie was a deeply caring, sensitive, and passionate woman who at times was very reserved. A well meaning thinker and problem solver, she was always looking for solutions. Her heart rivaled the love of valentines day as she was always that person you could rely on, often giving to various Native American organizations and friends and family. Her smile radiated ever so rarely but when it did it was as bright as the sun. She was quite the chef and enjoyed cooking her native dishes along with experimenting with many others. They didn't always come out right but she rarely missed the mark. On the occasion she liked to dance, sing and listen to music, although it was usually in the comfort of the living room. Her silly side, although rare was always a welcomed surprise when trying to lighten the mood of bad situations.

To those who really knew Fifi she had a fiery spirit in a soft spoken shell with a heart as pure as they come. She is from a time long gone and would often say she is in this world but not of it. Now as she flys in the presence of her kindred spirits she's at peace with her fellow guardians. Mom will be sorely missed as she is survived by her only child. I love you and miss you and cherish the day when we'll be reunited.