On the afternoon of Thursday, May 2, 2024, Denise Verna Marcellus, affectionately known as Mami Den, passed away peacefully at her home. She succumbed to complications of chronic health issues. In her final days, she was blessed to be cared for and surrounded by her loving family.
Denise Verna was born on September 27, 1939, in Cerca Carvajal, Hinche. She was the daughter of Amelie Dorvil and Rene Verna. She attended Les Filles de la Sagesse and Marie Yolaine Alcindore in Haiti. She was always proud to be “100% Ayisyen.” She would later take courses at Katherine Gibbs School. Denise Verna married Rodney Michlet Marcellus on May 21, 1964, marking the beginning of a 60-year marital journey that took her from Haiti, to Congo, to New York before finally settling in Boston on August 26,1970. Denise loved vacationing throughout Europe with her husband. Together they raised four children. As an immigrant parent, Denise was very proud to raise college graduates.
Denise’s life was rich with hobbies. She was a passionate seamstress. She could sketch patterns, design, and sew any type of garment. Her sewing skills were amazing! Denise loved cooking. Her signature dishes were Soup Joumou, diri kole ak pwa, bouyon, and griot. She will be missed for her upside down pineapple cake that she baked for her children’s birthdays. She also enjoyed herbalism and gardening. She grew mint, grapes, tomatoes, and more. She was often found making teas and delicious juices. She loved talking to her sisters for hours. She loved doing crossword puzzles and she found great joy in singing and dancing to Jerusalema with her granddaughter and daughter. She was deeply spiritual and committed to her faith. In her moments of struggle she often said, “You just accept it the way God gives it to you and say ‘Thank you God.’”
Denise is predeceased by her parents, her siblings, and her granddaughter,Tatyana Gillums. Denise will be deeply missed by her husband: Rodney Marcellus. Her children: Nadine, Carla, Lyne and Rodney Jr. Her grandchildren: Sienna, Zach and Dakota and many beloved siblings, nieces and nephews.