Therese Raymonde Ancion

Therese Raymonde Ancion, affectionately known as “Monde,” Grandma,” or “Mommy Monde,” passed away peacefully in her home on December 28, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on July 31, 1929, in Jacmel, Haiti, to Leonie Ancion and Ferdinand Michel. She immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s, where she made her home in Brooklyn, New York.

Raymonde was the heart and soul of her family, a woman whose warmth and generosity knew no bounds. She worked as a dedicated home attendant, caring for others with compassion and grace. After retiring, she devoted herself to caring for children in her family, embodying a giving spirit that uplifted everyone she encountered. Whether it was a thoughtful gift or a warm meal, Raymonde had a way of brightening the lives of others.

She was an extraordinary cook, celebrated for her unparalleled rice and her soup joumou, a Haitian delicacy symbolizing freedom and resilience. Her home became the cornerstone of countless family traditions, particularly the unforgettable Christmas gatherings that brought her loved ones together with joy and love.

Raymonde’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, where she contributed to the parish community and functions as both a member of various church organizations and a regular parishioner. Her dedication to her church reflected her deep spirituality and commitment to service.

In her later years, she found peace and joy listening to music in her Brooklyn backyard, surrounded by the garden she lovingly cultivated with her granddaughter Ariana. Dancing brought her happiness, and the cherished memory of her dancing at this year’s Christmas celebration will remain in the hearts of her loved ones. She also enjoyed connecting with her family and friends and watching her favorite program, Manman Mari which helped her remain grounded in her faith.

Raymonde is survived by her sister, Fernande Thebaud; her son, Richard Sabbat, and daughter-in-law, Dawn Kerr; her son-in-law, Antoine Philippe Dorcelus; and her cherished grandchildren: Sophia Dorcelus, Antoine Dorcelus Jr., Jared Sabbat, Ariana Sabbat, and Madina Diop; as well as her great-granddaughter, Lauren Benjamin.

She also leaves behind her nephews and nieces: Robert J. Bistoury, Juliette Dayana Bistoury, Robert G. Bistoury, Michael Bistoury, Dr. Evelyne Ancion-Degraff, Bernard Degraff, Chantal Ancion, Dr. Jaques Denis, Dr. Marie Alice Benjamin Denis, Joanne Jean-Francois, David Jean-Francois, Willy Carrénard, Dr. Philippe Hugues Carrénard, Marie-Danielle Carrénard, Dr. Frances Jeudi Schmidt, Iderle Jeudi Bois, Marie-Edith Michel, Marie-Edwidge Michel Tucker, Marie-Anthony Michel Williams, Dr. Elsy Michel Salnave, Militza Michel, and Farah Michel Wilshire.

Other family members by last name include: Ancion, Bistoury, Carrénard, Jeudi, Michel, Degraff, Denis, Dorcelus, Duplan, Francois, Jean-Francois, Kerr, Lubin, Oriol, Owen, Sabbat, Sharpe, and Thebaud.

Raymonde’s legacy of love, generosity, and family will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as the pillar of her family and a source of endless love and inspiration.

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