Marlene Gaspard Durand was born on November 8, 1951 in Petite-Goave, Haiti. She was the first-born to Andre Gaspard and Marie-Antoinette Gaspard. She immigrated to the United States by way of St. Thomas in 1968. She met her sweetheart, Pierre, in South Nyack, on May 18, 1969. After a traditional Haitian courtship, they married on July 14, 1973, at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack.

“Mom,” “Tati Lelene,” “Mama,” “La Lune,” “Gunsblazing,” “Best” – those were just a few of the nicknames we used for our beloved mother, Marlene Gaspard Durand. She was a loving mother to everyone. She deeply loved her children, her six younger siblings, their spouses, and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was a mother figure to everyone who ever crossed her path. She cared about everyone. She fed everyone. She loved everyone.

“La Lune” was a childhood nickname given to Marlene as a reflection of her big bright eyes and beautiful smile, which radiated like the moon. She would tell us stories about her childhood sharing that as a child, she would walk down the street where she lived in Haiti, and the neighbors would often shout “voici La Lune” – “here comes the moon.” At the end of her smile was one big dimple, just one on her left cheek. What joy we took in making her laugh just so we could poke her one dimple, which would only make her laugh that much harder.

Marlene was indeed our moon. She was the light that brightened our darkness.

And on the darkside of that moon, you’d find her alter ego- “Gunsblazing.” Everyone knew not to mess with Gunsblazing. Marlene, the sweet, loving, innocent woman when transformed to Gunzblazing would not hesitate to share her thoughts no matter how cutting they could be in the loudest and most animated fashion possible.

Nevertheless, her bark was always bigger than her bite and motivated by a desire to bring everyone joy. During our annual family reunions at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, in Pennsylvania, she would spend the whole night cooking to feed not only her family, but also countless strangers who took the pilgrimage to celebrate the Blessed Mother’s feast day. She would always “pretend yell” at her brothers as they fought over the pikliz or lambi or whatever other Haitian culinary goodies we all looked forward to on that trip, knowing full well she had made extra for them to take back home. She would always give us anything we asked, as long as we were first willing to hear the sound of the gun blasts!

Marlene Gaspard Durand was the best. She gave her best, loved with all she possessed, and was always willing to give others the best of her. “Best” was the nickname given to her by the latest edition to our family, Claudya. She called her “Best” because Marlene was the best mother she ever had. In fact, she was the best that we all ever encountered. Marlene Gaspard Durand will forever be the best.

Many say you don’t know what you have until it is gone. At some point, we figured out what we had before she was gone. We were blessed to know the kindest, gentlest, and most beautiful woman to walk the face of this Earth. God loved us so much that we were touched to know her.

Marlene, we love you; and we thank God for you. Thank you for the sacrifices made throughout your life to give us a safe, full and happy life. Most of what you have done to protect us, we will never know. We appreciate you for all that you are and all that you have done for us. We know that we will see you again, and on that day, our hearts will rejoice and no one will be able to take our joy from us.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Pierre R. Durand, Sr.; her children, Nancy Durand, Pierre R. Durand, Jr., Sheila Cange Durand, and Claudya Andre Durand; her siblings, Serge Gaspard, Handy Andre, Berthony Gaspard, Jacques Gaspard, Josette Gaspard Theodore, Andy John Gaspard; Andree Audry, and Claudette Durandisse; and, a whole host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, two aunts, and one uncle.

She will be sorely missed and forever loved.