Saintamise Lelio

Saintamise Lelio - affectionately known as Sainta or Gran by her beloved grandchildren - was born on October 13, 1939, in Saint-Louis du Nord, Haiti, to the late Zaporte and Florilia (Philogene) Louis.

Saintamise lived her life as a faithful servant of God, a proud mother and grandmother, and a gifted cook who used her talents to bless those around her. She was kind, generous, and loving yet firm, strong, and steadfast in her beliefs. She lived by the power of prayer and the importance of truth, always speaking her mind but never losing her warmth or compassion.

In the late 1970s, Saintamise journeyed to the United States, first settling in New York before making Boston, Massachusetts her home. There, she became a longtime and devoted member of the New Pentecostal Church of God in Mattapan.

In Haiti, she had worked as a seamstress and small business owner. After coming to the U.S., she continued her hardworking ways as a housekeeper before retiring early to become a full-time homemaker. She enjoyed going to church, reading her Bible, and spending time with her family. And though she often claimed she didn't like parties, everyone knew she was the life of them - always the last to leave, filling every room with laughter and joy.

Saintamise had her first two children, Antonide and Vanel Jean Baptiste, with Nerva Jean Baptiste, with whom she remained lifelong friends. She later had eight children - Ateyonie Vilnaigre, Muzeda Noel, Caris Vilnaigre, Wesly Vilnaigre, Karsion Vilnaigre, Marantha Guillaumette, Necasty Vilnaigre, and Marie Gracia Felix - with her longtime partner, the late Estinos Vilnaigre. After Estinos's passing, she moved to the United States to build a better life for herself and her children.

In time, she met and married the late Ulrick Lelio, and together they welcomed her youngest child, Julie Lelio. Between them, they lovingly raised what can only be described as a Haitian Brady Bunch - a beautiful, blended family of twenty-two children.

Saintamise leaves behind a powerful legacy: her children and their spouses, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, cousins, dear friends, and her cherished church family. She will also be remembered fondly by her friends from the Forever Young Adult Day Program, and by all the many lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and spirit.

We will forever love and miss our beautiful and fierce Sainta. May the heavens rejoice gloriously at the sight of your homecoming. Rest well, Queen - we love you always.