In loving memory of
Charite Telemaque
May 20, 1936 - October 8, 2017
Charite Telemaque, a devoted, loving mother of four who was always willing to give of herself to help others in whatever way she could, passed away on October 8, 2017, at the age of 81 in her beloved home in Port Charlotte, FL. "Ma Tante Charite" as she was known by the many people she loved, cared for and helped, was born in Robillard, Haiti on May 20, 1936. Ma Tante Charite risked her life by taking a rickety boat from Haiti to the Bahamas because she wanted a better life for herself and family. There, she met and married her ex-husband.
Through sheer strength, courage and determination, she moved to the United States in 1967 where she settled in Brooklyn, NY and worked as a Nurse's Aide in New Rochelle, NY while attending beauty school and becoming a licensed beautician. She moved to New Rochelle, NY in 1978 so that her four kids could have access to better schools and more opportunities in life. And in 1987, she retired to Port Charlotte, FL, where she started her own business selling jewelry, handbags and assorted merchandise at the Ortiz Avenue Flea Market in Ft. Myers.
Ma Tante Charite was a loving and kind soul with boundless energy, wisdom beyond her years and a strong sense of duty to help her fellow man. She not only took care of her four children as a single mother, but also her extended family in Haiti and others she met along the way. She loved God and thanked Him every chance she got for her life, family and the ability to help others. She was aptly named Charite because she was indeed compassionate, kind, caring and giving to all. As hard as she worked, she still found time to travel and have lots of fun with family and friends. In her old age, she loved to dance and sing with her children and granddaughter Charite.
She is survived by her four children: Joseph Telemaque, Ruth Eugene, Shilo Eugene and Nicodeme Telemaque; her three grandchildren, Warren Watson, Shakima Telemaque, and little Charite Telemaque; and a great granddaughter, Kimani Watson. She is also survived by her brother, Destorel "Dugue" Telemaque, several nieces, nephews and cousins both in Haiti and Canada. She was predeceased by both her parents and eight siblings.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 2405 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Eben-Ezer Haitian Baptist Church, 17195 Oakleaf Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Burial will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens.