Berenice Merilan Vilceus

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Berenice Merilan Vilceus

September 18th, 1958 - June 20th, 2025

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 

2 Corinthians 5:8

Berenice Merilan Vilceus, affectionately known as Bebe, was born to her parents (mother, Odette Noel; and father, Adelan Merilan) on September 18, 1958 in Petionville, Haiti. Being the eldest of three (sibling to: late, Alain Merilan (brother) and Nancy Merilan (sister)--from a young age, Berenice was often a loving example of what it meant to go great lengths for her family. At a young age, Berenice and her siblings lost their father in 1983, and Berenice intervened and took care of everyone while her mother, Odette, was sick, and even handled the funeral arrangements 

Berenice attended Sister Salesiennes of Petionville, where she completed the 11th grade. A gifted seamstress as a young girl, she often could make alterations to intricate garments and could make complete dresses with just a bit of fabric–a talent and a skill that followed her well into adulthood. She also attended Culinary school at École Hotelière d'Haïti, and then worked in a Translator Office in Haiti. In 1986, she married Jean Ismail Vilceus in Haiti, and immigrated to New York in 1993. They then welcomed their son, Ricardo Vilceus, on June 23rd, 1994 in Queens, New York. 

Initially in the United States, Berenice worked at a factory and then later worked as a Home Health Aide. She was so loving as a Home Health Aide, that some of her patients stayed in touch and began to care for her when her own health began to deteriorate. Her sincere love and care for others was evident to those that were fortunate enough to know her.

A faithful woman of deep faith, the most notable attribute of Berenice was her unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. For decades, she attended Cortelyou Road Church of God in Brooklyn, New York. She was President of Les Dam Oxiliare, where she coordinated meetings and was the point-person for matters involving the church– she functioned in this role after being the secretary of the church. Berenice was also heavily involved in the church choir and attended many women's conferences during her time there. Additionally, she was a devoted Sunday school teacher and was named New York State Women’s Ministries President of the Year in 2009. You could often find her at Friday Night services, and Sunday morning and evening services. She loved the church. She often cooked a big pot of cornmeal every Sunday morning so members could get a meal after Sunday School and brought Haitian patties for Bible Study. Her hospitality and generous spirit was a beautiful part of her character. When she was well, she would often visit people’s homes and pray and intercede on their behalf. Whenever she was in your presence, she made you feel welcomed and radiated love. She was a person you never wanted to walk past. There was something captivating about her presence.

In 2018, she was placed on dialysis— she fought a hard, up-hill, battle for seven years, as she navigated health complications. And yet despite her extensive medical complications, she never wanted to steer the focus on her. Instead, she moved with resilience and strength, and never complained. 

Berenice Vilceus passed away on Friday, June 20th at 2025 in her home. Her life was centered around her faith in God, her affection for people and the church, and her pure love for her beloved son, Ricardo. She will be dearly missed and always will be dearly loved. She rests now in the arms of her loving Father, whom she loved and served so well while here on earth.

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