Gertrude Edouard

Celebrating the Life of Gertrude Edouard

A Remarkable Journey

Gertrude Dorval was born on October 12, 1954, at Savane Carrée, third rural section of Gros-Morne, to Tercilia Maurice and Dezulma Dorval. Early in her life, her family moved to Terre-Neuve in the Kaphillipe area, where they laid their roots and grew as a family.

In 1970, Gertrude began honing her skills in sewing under the guidance of Mrs. Arnold Jacques in Terre-Neuve. That same year, Abner left Haiti for the Bahamas, returning briefly in 1973 before emigrating to the United States. He vowed that once he was established, he would bring his beloved younger sister to join him.

Those who knew Gertrude would attest that she was a gift from God. She endured severe illness as a child, and her survival was nothing short of miraculous. In 1979, Gertrude made her journey to the United States to join her brother, initially settling in Miami. A year later, she moved to Orlando, Florida, where she met her husband, Edoualus Edouard, a longtime friend of Abner since the Bahamas.

From their union, they were blessed with four children: Lyndon, Patrick, Edme, and Edzer. Their home became a sanctuary for many, a place where family, friends, and strangers alike found refuge, love, and hospitality. It was also the birthplace of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Orlando, which began as a small gathering at the Edouard family home before expanding into a larger community. At that time, there were only four seventh day Christians families in the area. Marconi family, Alfonse Family, Bisinthe family and Edouard family. It was at Edouard’s home they started the gathering to have prayer meeting and worship service. When the house could not hold the number of believers, we rented a small church in Apopka for $75/month; later on, they added $25 to make it $100. From these humbling beginnings emerged Beracah SDA Church, which is the mother of all the Haitian SDA churches in Orlando.

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Gertrude was the epitome of hard work and dedication, channeling her unwavering determination into providing a stable and nurturing environment for her family. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her children had every opportunity to succeed, instilling in them the value of education and the importance of perseverance. Gertrude’s commitment to her family was evident in her sacrifices, as she balanced her responsibilities with grace and resilience, always prioritizing her children’s needs over her own. She leaves behind a legacy of love, discipline, and an unyielding belief in the power of education. Through her devotion, Gertrude not only shaped her family’s future but also inspired those around her to strive for the best in all aspects of life.

Gertrude’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and commitment to her family and community. Her home was a blessing not only to her immediate family but also to pastors, evangelists, and members of the broader community

Her journey was not without challenges. In August 2022, she was struck by a stroke followed by several other mini strokes. She suffered greatly in the last two years of her life, and though we prayed for a miracle, God’s will unfolded differently. Thus, on Sunday the 29th of December, tante mafi took her last breath. We hold onto the words of Job: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

A Farewell and a Call to Hope

Gertrude is preceded in death by her father, Dezulma Dorval; her mother, Tercilia Maurice; and several beloved uncles and aunts. She is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Edouarlus Edouard; her children, Lydon, Patrick, Edme & Gladel Brutus (husband), and Edzer & Dorothie Edouard (wife), along with their respective families; and her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. The grandchildren are Xzavier Laguerre, Mykail Polydor, Maximus Brutus, Harlee Edouard, and Hosea Edouard.

She also leaves behind her siblings, Gertha and Gabriel Fuscien, Abner and Lolette Dorval. Her nephews and nieces Caleb & Sandra Dorval (Carlsen, Daven, and Nathaniel Dorval), Lordwine & Linda Pierre ( Luc, Aliya, Lamarre, and Allen), Samson Dorval & Rachelle Koorndijk (Ramson Koorndijk,Chelson Koorndijk), Sixer, Lisette, Edgard, and Kennedy Dorval.

Gertrude’s extended family — Edouard Family, Maurice Family, Dorval Family, Fuscien Family, Pierre Family, Jean Family, Geffrard Family, Dieujuste Family, Louis Family, Brutus Family, Antione Family, Cherenfant family, Fleurimond Family, Auguste Family, Dazilma Family, Jean Baptiste Family, Paul Family, Avescat Family, Louisaint Family, Maxena Family and Cerilus Family —along with many others, mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman who brought light and love into their lives.

To her children, Lyndon, Patrick, Edme, and Edzer: Follow the path your mother laid before you. Remember the faith and devotion instilled in you from a young age. Hold fast to your family’s legacy of faith, knowing that one day, the trumpet will sound, and we will reunite with her and all those who have gone before us in Christ.

Though we grieve, we are not without hope. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

1 Corinthians 15: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

May the Lord strengthen and comfort us all as we look forward to the day when there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. Until then, let us honor Gertrude’s legacy by living a life of faith, unity, and love.

Peace be with you all.

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