In Loving Memory of Marie Carona Jeannis

"God willing, Si Dieu Veut." This phrase was more than a familiar phrase to Marie Carona Jeannis—they were the way she lived her life. Whether she was making plans for herself or listening to someone else's hopes for the future, she almost always ended the conversation with the words, "God willing, Si Dieu veut." Those simple words reflected her trust that every blessing and every tomorrow rested in God's hands.

With heavy hearts, but with gratitude for a life richly lived, we celebrate the life of Marie Carona Jeannis, affectionately known as "La Reine, The Queen," who entered peacefully into eternal rest on June 22, 2026, at the age of 88.

Marie was born on December 12, 1937, to the late Andrelina Celestin Jeannis and Pradel Merisier Jeannis. Proud of her Haitian heritage, she carried with her the strength, resilience, faith, and generosity that defined her throughout her life. She was a devoted daughter, loving wife, dedicated mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend whose life touched countless people.

A woman of unwavering faith, Marie was a devoted Catholic who loved the Lord with all her heart. Daily, she could be found watching the Christian Television Network, praying, and drawing strength from God's Word. She was blessed with a large and loving church family who became an extension of her own family over the years. Her steadfast faith guided every chapter of her life and remained her source of comfort until the very end.

Several months before her passing, Marie courageously endured a seizure that led to an extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit, followed by several months of rehabilitation. After completing rehab, she was lovingly welcomed into the home of her devoted son, Jerry Lamarque, where he cared for her with love and compassion. Her devoted daughter, Connie Frederique, was also a constant source of support, spending countless hours helping to care for her mother. Surrounded by the love of her children and family, Marie peacefully passed away in the comfort of her son's home surrounded by family.

Marie dedicated many years of faithful service as a bank teller at Cambridgeport Bank before retiring. She was well known by coworkers and customers alike—not only for her professionalism and dedication, but also for her quick wit and unmistakable attitude. She always had something to say, usually with perfect timing, and people knew exactly what to expect when they stepped up to her window. Her sharp sense of humor and spirited personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Outside of work, Marie's greatest joy was caring for others. In her younger years, she loved cooking and preparing meals for family and friends and anyone in need of a good home-cooked meal. She also created one of the family's most cherished traditions by giving her nieces and nephews crisp $2 bills. What may have seemed like a small gift at the time became a priceless keepsake and a reminder of how much she loved her family.

To know Marie was to know exactly why everyone called her "La Reine." She had a commanding presence that filled every room she entered. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and never afraid to tell you exactly what was on her mind. Around Marie, everyone knew one thing to be true: it was her way or the highway. If you made a poor decision, expected sympathy for something she didn't agree with, or simply caught her on the wrong day, you were almost guaranteed a memorable scolding or one of her legendary smart remarks. She could make an entire room laugh without even trying, and although she had a tough exterior, those closest to her knew that everything she did came from a place of deep love and concern.

Marie was the proud and loving mother of Jerry Lamarque and Connie Frederique, who were the center of her world. She adored her grandchildren—Andrew, Andree, Jerika, Jeremy, Syree, and Raeshad—and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, and her beloved church family, all of whom were blessed by her love, wisdom, and unforgettable presence.

She is survived by her loving sisters, Rosemarie Jeannis and Innocente (Jeannis) Jean-Jacques. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved siblings, Roosevelt Jeannis, Marie Claudette Jeannis, Elain Jeannis, Jean Claude Jeannis, and Francis Barthelemy.

Marie leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years alone. She leaves a family strengthened by her example, a church family inspired by her faith, and generations of loved ones who will continue to smile whenever they hear the words "God willing or Si Dieu Veut," or remember one of her unforgettable remarks.

Although our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in knowing that she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior. We can only imagine her reunion with those who went before her and the peace she now enjoys in God's eternal kingdom.

Her voice may be silent, but her spirit will forever live in the stories we tell, the traditions we continue, the faith she instilled, and the family she loved so completely.

Rest peacefully, La Reine. Your crown was never made of gold—it was made of faith, strength, laughter, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love. You will forever reign in our hearts.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Visiting Hours will be held in St. John the Evangelist Church, 2254 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge on Tuesday, July 7th from 9:00AM - 10:00AM. Followed by her Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.