Marie Carmen Firmin

 Visiting hours will be at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave on Thursday August 31st from 5pm-8pm.  Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Parish (formerly St. Angelas Church) 1548 Blue Hill Ave Mattapan Friday September 1st at 10am.  Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Marie Carmen Firmin (née Pierre-Louis), affectionately known as Mam Firmin, passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 24, 2023, in Hyde Park, MA. She was born on April 8, 1928 (95 years), in Pernier/Petionville, Haiti, and lived a life marked by love, generosity, and friendliness.

Mam Firmin was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to Alphonse Theodore Firmin, and their enduring love story, marked by mutual respect and deep affection, commemorates its 70th anniversary this year.

Marie Carmen was a beacon of Haitian culture, reflecting its vibrant hues and warm notes. To many in the community, her name was synonymous with the playful musical notes and the tantalizing aroma of authentic Haitian dishes. The Firmin household wasn't just a home; it was a haven for friends and family who had recently made the journey to the US from Haiti. Whether they settled in Boston or ventured to other states, each guest was invariably welcomed with Mam Firmin’s legendary dishes—her famous diri kole (rice and red beans) or the delectable mayi moulen ak aranso (cornmeal with stewed tomatoes and smoked herring). Community members from across Boston flocked to her kitchen on Saturday mornings for a plate of her renowned dishes.

These meals were more than just food; they were a taste of home, lovingly served, weaving tales of comfort and familiarity. At the mere whisper of Mam Firmin being at the kitchen helm, family gatherings would swell in numbers, as many longed for that genuine, fresh taste she effortlessly delivered. Her daily rituals showcased her unwavering commitment. Her children fondly recalled her morning rituals, where she relished Haitian bread from Le Foyer alongside coffee, and diligently ground the day's herbs using a mortar and pestle, blending fresh garlic, scallions, cloves, and more.

Beyond her culinary prowess, music was the rhythm of Mam Firmin's soul. Her grandchildren would fondly recall the soft hum of hymns as she descended the stairs or the moments she'd steal away, letting her voice float in the tranquility, especially when she was among her church community. Mam Firmin was not just a person; she was an experience, a memory, a legacy of Haitian heritage.

Marie Carmen is survived by her husband, Alphonse Theodore Firmin, and their children: Frantz/FanFan Firmin, Jean Arold Firmin (deceased), Marie Andrée (Firmin) Pierre-Victor, Marie Florence (Firmin) Vilme, Reiher/Ronnie Firmin, and Chantal Firmin. She cherished every moment with her ten grandchildren: Natalie, Henri Philippe, Fabrice, Felicia, Richard Arold/Ritchie, Patrick, Alix-Courtney, Marcus Gilbert, Jayson, and Sharon, as well as her six great-grandchildren: Hakim, Harmony, Tatiana, Nayeli, Zoey, and Jullian. Marie Carmen is the beloved sister of Elida Jean-Charles Destin from Montreal, and Gerard Elie of Haiti, and of the late Amilcar Pierre-Louis, Adele (Pierre-Louis) Pauleus, Marguerite Pascal, Lina Pierre-Louis, Eustache Elie, Milo Elie, Derouleaux Elie, Leonie Pierre-Louis, Yvonne Pierre-Louis, Audant Pierre-Louis, Pierre-Paul Elie, and Pierrette Elie.  To the many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, Carmen is affectionately known as Tante Carmen, Ma Tante Carmen, or Marenn (godmother).

Mam Firmin will be missed tremendously!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie Carmen Firmin's name to Association Coeur D'Amour (ACA).   The Firmin Family has been supporting ACA for several years; proceeds will go toward sponsoring schooling of impoverished Haitian students.

Name: 

 Marie Vela

12248 Pevero

Tustin, CA 92782

or Zelle:  

Marie Vela

Chase Bank

Mvela@ourebox.com

for more info,call 1-949-683-4061

                                                                ASSOCIATION CŒUR D’AMOUR A.C.A 

                                                                         Port-au-Prince, Haïti (W.I.) 

                                                                             ginav@acahaiti.org 

A complete obituary will be posted on Monday.