Athalie Desir

Athalie was born in Leogane on January 23rd, 1932, the first child born to Alfred Lissade and Stanela Lambert.

Athalie did her primary studies at the catholic school, the Sisters of Leogane until receipt of the Certificate of Primary Studies (CEP). After receiving the CEP, she continued her studies up to the Superior Certificate at the Caroline Chevreau School in Port-au-Prince. Athalie wanted to become a nurse, but when the Ministry of National Education announced that they were recruiting a teacher for primary education in Athalie's hometown, she registered, took the tests and passed the exams brilliantly. On February 9, 1953, Athalie was appointed Teacher in urban primary education. She was installed on February 12, 1953, at the National School for Boys in Leogane where she taught at this establishment until October 8, 1967. She then transferred on October 9, 1967, to the national school "Celie Lilavois" in Port-au-Prince, she sat in this position until September 30, 1970.

Athalie married Wilfrid Desir on August 24th, 1967. For political reasons because of her husband's family name, which she bore, Athalie had to leave Haiti to settle in the USA. She enjoyed a long and fulfilled life here. She was able to accomplish her dreams of becoming a nurse's aid and providing their daughter, Tatiana, with an outstanding education. Athalie enjoyed traveling with Wilfrid. They took many trips across the country and abroad; Europe, France, Rome, England to mention a few. Their favorite was to go on cruises. They voyaged to Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and other islands of the West Indies.

Athalie and Wilfrid lived 30 years in Brooklyn, New York. Where they were well known for community service and their love of family. Even though she only had bore one child, a daughter, she had many that looked up to her as a mother. She has always had that nurturing factor and it was no surprise that she spent years working as nurse's aide and then retiring in 1999. She then went to work for her husband's brother Wilson Desir. Athalie worked as the Administer for Home Health Services offered through the company. Athalie and Wilfrid moved to Texas in 2004 to be closer to their daughter Tatiana. Here in Texas, Athalie continued her community service activities by joining HACAOT, Inc of Killen, Texas, a non-for-profit organization providing essential services to the community. She also became heavily active in the church, joined the Mystical Rose Legion in 2009 and stayed committed to her community service. When the earthquake hit Haiti on January 10, 2010, she and Wilfrid jumped to action by organizing relief efforts and contributions to be sent to Haiti through HACAOT, Inc.

Athalie and Wilfrid celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2017. She was a wonderful wife and supporter to her husband. She stood by his side during the political turmoil in Haiti and stood by his side during the up and downs of leaving their homeland for a new country. They were there for each other, and she always ensured that he was taken care of. They enjoyed a long and healthy marriage that lasted 54 years until her death. They had one daughter, Tatiana, who died in a car accident on July 8th, 2019. This tragic death of their daughter was a hard blow in Athalie's life. But with the support of her husband, she was able to make it through. Athalie Lissade Desir died on Friday January 28,2022 at 2 a.m. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Wilfrid Desir, her siblings Lola Lissade, Gontran Lissade, Carl Lissade, Vivienne Jeannot, a host of nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends.