Obituary of MARIE THERESE GEHY

Marie Thérèse Durand Géhy was born on May 10, 1941 in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, to Michel Richardson Durand and Catherine Méralise Louissaint Durand.  Maille, as she was affectionately called by friends and family, was their third child.  Richardson and Catherine went on to have 6 more children after her birth.

Maille attended Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours and École Amélia Jean Baptiste in Port-de-Paix.  She also attended école normal Sainte Bernadette in Martissant.  

After finishing her primary education, Maille attended EICH - Notre Dame de la Sagesse à l’Hôpital Justinien in Cap-Haitian and graduated with her nursing degree in 1966.  She worked first at Grande Riviere du Nord where she did her residency, then at des Chappelles.  She then worked at l’Asile Français; l’Hôpital Général and l’Hôpital du Canapé Vert, before working at the Division d’Hygiene Familiale, where she furthered her studies in family planning in NY.  Maille found her true calling in being a nurse and caring for people.

Maille met her future husband, André Erick Géhy, in 1969.  They were married on April 17, 1971 and had 3 children together – Myriam, Farah, and Jean Erick.  Maille was a devoted and loving mother to her 3 children, and the many children in her life.

In 1983, Maille and Erick emigrated to NY with their children.  Once there, they worked hard for themselves and their family.  In NY, Maille worked as a nurse at various institutions.  She retired early after a first brain surgery in 1992.

Maille loved to sew, cook, sing, read, be social and to be surrounded by people she loved – especially children.  She loved watching her siblings’ and friends’ grandchildren.  She was Mommy Maille to so many.

In her later years, Maille suffered from a new brain tumor that took away her vision in one eye, her ability to walk without assistance, and some of her independence.  But she never lost her ability to laugh, and make others laugh, nor her joy in singing and praying.  She passed away peacefully at home on April 23rd, 2020 surrounded by her children, 2 of her sisters, and her aide.  

Maille is survived by her children and their families: Myriam & Ralph Volcy; Farah & Richard Gunning; and Jean Erick Géhy; her step-grandchildren: Bryan, Coralie and Sanaa Volcy.  She is also survived by her siblings, Wilmina Durand, Wilson Durand, Raymonde Durand Victor, Stephen Durand, Fernande Durand Frederic, Ruth Durand, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and dear friends.  Maille was preceded in death by her husband André Erick Géhy, her parents, her sister Edith, and her brother Eugene.  

Her entire life was full of prayer.  Maille was a devout Catholic her entire life and was also a Eucharistic minister for several years.  We feel blessed that she was able to receive the last rites before she passed.

The family owes a special thank you to Maille’s aides, Anne Marie Jean-Baptiste and Myrtha Florus, who were with her the last 3½ years of her life.  Their devotion and care for Maille was beyond measure.  We are forever in their debt.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude and thanks to everyone who extended condolences during our time of bereavement, A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date.   

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