In Loving Memory of Anne Bernard, 96

Mrs. Anne Bernard, born Anne Dornevil, died Monday, July 30, 2015 in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Anne, known as Manka, Maka, Madan Maka, Granma, and later as Mrs. Bernard by her caretakers, was an engaging and warm individual. Born in Savanne a Roche, Haiti on July 19, 1919, she was the oldest of 3 children. Her family moved to Petite Riviere, Artibonite when she was a teenager. It is where she met Marcadieu Bernard, who would become her husband and the father of her 9 children.

At 46 years old, her husband became one of the many victims of the political regime of that time. Facing the harsh reality of raising 9 kids alone, she made the impossible look easy. She forged forward with admiration, courage, and grace. She would repeat almost daily: “Sak pa tue m ap angrese m” (what don’t kill me, can only make me stronger).

She put her trust in the Lord and kept on moving forward, even after losing 5 of her kids, she would at times tearfully say “Que ta volonte soit faite” (Thy will be done). Whether you knew her as Anne, Manka, Maka, Madam Maka or Mrs. Bernard, you knew her as a fervent believer in Christ. “My Lord will not abandon me,” she would say with pride and confidence. The way she faced adversity throughout her life, and overcome every obstacle in her way is a testimony that the Lord never abandoned her.

In 1990, she joined her daughters in the U.S. Whether it was in Boston, New York, Florida or Georgia, Anne was always jovial and ready to share her story. Her resilience was admirable and inspiring. Anne will be remembered as being caring, likeable, easy going. She loved to cook and take care of her family.

Her departure will be mourned by her surviving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as friends. Children: Yolande, Elie (deceased), Myrta (deceased), Marie Rose, Violette, Anide (deceased), Hubert (deceased), Marcadieu Fils (deceased), Marie Stuart. Grandchildren: Carline, Allens, Ronide, Stanley, Gana, Martine, Cassandre, Yasmine, Regine, Clifford, Fabiola, Johnny, Tayina, and Tony. Great-grandchildren: Natouchica, Kael, Luglue, Loukens, Chris, Christine, Margarita, Steeve, Gaina, Shailey, Gael, Nalienka, Jeff, Stephon, Stephanie, Justin, Junior, Evan, Logan, Esteita, Djovani, DJouny, Damien. Sincerest sympathies go to the following families: Bernard, Juste, Laguerre, Hall, Deraville, St Pierre, Theodore, Zephir, Ferdinand.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015, 10 AM, at the Kennesaw First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for a viewing on Friday, August 14, 2015, from 5-7 PM.