Semie L. Descopain

Semie Descopain was released peacefully into the hands of God for eternal rest on March 10, 2015.  Semie was the last of seventeen children born on June 25, 1941 in Jacmel, Haiti to the late Aleande Lafalaise and Lemeta Cayo.

 

 A pioneer, Semie was the first in her family to migrate to the United States in 1965. While in the states, she attended cosmetology school and learned the English language. Semie stayed in Brooklyn, NY and later settled in Irvington, NJ where she met and married Willy Descopain on January 5, 1983. She was instrumental in starting the Haitian Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Irvington, NJ during the early 1980s. Extremely hardworking, Semie pursued various job opportunities but had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and performed cosmetology services from home. When clients visited with Semie, not only did they receive a warm meal, but could purchase anything from clothes to jewelry, cosmetics, shoes and household items.

 

 Semie relocated to Orlando, FL in 1989 where she became an active member of St. Andrews Church. She sang in the choir, organized the International Rosary and participated in the International Food Festival where she represented Haiti and became a Eucharistic minister at St. Andrews. Semie was very family and community oriented, encouraging her children to participate in various youth groups to learn and embrace their Haitian culture. She was well travelled and visited places all over the world from Canada to Paris, France. Semie loved to decorate, organize events and volunteer her time to others. Often viewed as a mother figure, she touched the lives of many people with her smile, generosity and wisdom.

 

Semie will  lovingly be remembered by her brother Roland Lafalaise of NY, sisters Renese Cherry of NY, Vesta Celestin of Haiti and Clairmise Louis of MA.

Semie is survived by her caring and devoted husband Willy Descopain; daughters Betty Charles, Guerda Henderson, Alexandra Charles, and Shirley Descopain. She also leaves to cherish her memory granddaughters Bernadette, Dominique, Ashley, Bibiane and great grandchildren Nayla, Troy and Miles. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family along with countless other friends whom were blessed to know her.

 

 The family will be receiving friends at Dobbs Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 7:00 until 9:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew Catholic Church on Saturday, March 21, 2015 followed by interment at Winter Garden Cemetery.