Marie Claude Bonnet

Marie-Claude Bonnet, affectionately known as “Claudie”, departed this life on June 4th, 2018. Claudie was born on January 31, 1953 in Moron, a commune of Jéremie, on the beautiful island of Haiti. That is were she attended both elementary school and high school. As a young girl Claudie was head-strong, bold and determined. Her determinations lead her to become a self-taught seamstress. This talent was developed early on by hiding and peeking into sewing classes that her elder sister Brigitte’s taught. As the story goes, at the age of 11, anticipating that her mother would make her wear an old dress to a school trip, Claudie took some of her mother’s cacao beans, sold them at the local market to attain money to purchase material to make a new dress to wear to the school trip. An early fashionista was in the making! Claudie immigrated to the United States in 1972. After college, she landed a position with Metlife Insurance Company where she worked for several years. Her love for sewing continued to grow and she spent many years perfecting her craft as a hobby. She was passionate about her craft, often offering to make dresses for friends and family, tailoring clothing and making alterations that her fashion eye saw as “necessary”. In 2004, Claudie married Jean-Claude Excellent. The two would often be spotted wearing matching outfits (that of course Claudie had made). It was a sight to see! In 2010, she expanded her craft by venturing into interior decorating and starting a business called “Creative Solutions.” She designed handmade window treatments, bedspreads, table draperies and more, as her business card advertised. Her work was beautiful and intricate, she worked meticulously. Claudie was a free spirit. If she wanted to try something she did, including taking up the cello at the age of 50! Claudie marched to the beat of her own drum which often beat loudly but it was her authentic and genuine self. She loved God to the fullest. If you knew her you were familiar with her consistent greeting of “Peace of the Lord be with you” or in creole “La paix Bon Dieu avec ou.” Claudie was prayerful and loved to sing hymns. She loved to help people and often enlisted the help of others in this endeavor whether you liked it or not. Claudie is predeceased by her parents Eriante (Josma) and Previous Bonnet and siblings, Jean Michel, Jean Leonard, Brigitte, Jean Eric. She is survived by her husband, Jean-Claude Excellent and her sisters Marie Florise (Bonnet) Jean-Baptiste and Yanick Bonnet. A particular group of family members that Claudie loved dearly were her nieces and nephews. She considered them as her own children. She is survived by nieces and nephews: Yolette (Bonnet) Pierre, Jean-Marie Bonnet, James Bonnet, Phara Jean-Baptiste, Diane (Jean-Baptiste) Andre, Mike Jean-Baptiste, Isabelle Philippe-Auguste, and Michael Philippe-Auguste. Great nieces and nephews: Jasmine (Pierre) Lafontant, Rachel (Pierre) Latibeaudiere, Jonathan Pierre, Raphael Pierre, Melissa Bonnet, Ashley Bonnet and Kristen Jean-Baptiste. Great, great nieces and nephews: Justin Lubin, Christian Lafontant, Gabriella Latibeaudiere and Aaron Lafontant. Claudie will be missed tremendously. She loved and was loved. Claudie will always be remembered in our hearts. She is in a better place and probably now tailoring the robes of the angels!

Marie Claude Bonnet

January 31, 1953 - June 4, 2018