Franchette Coles, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 30, 2024. She was born in Les Cayes, Haiti on October 03,1924, into a large family. Franchette lived her life in Les Cayes and Port Au Prince, Haiti until her immigration to the United States in 1963.
Franchette lived in Bronx NY until the early 70s when she moved to Cambria Heights, Queens County New York. She was a resolute seamstress throughout her life who provided many happy brides in New York City with spectacular wedding dresses designed and sewn by her. With her creative talent and genuine love for the brides, it was so important to her that they would feel and look spectacular on their wedding day.
As a mother, she was loving, generous and kind to all that walked into her life. Her dedication to caring for others and her compassion to all will be forever cherished. Her example to us was to bring the same love and support she provided to others, to those we encountered in our lives. She taught those around her to extend their hands; open their hearts; and give of themselves so that others may experience such benevolence. This was a tremendous part of Franchette’s life. Her love of music and dancing always brought joy to so many. Franchette danced the tango in Argentina, and the salsa in 1950’s Cuba. Franchette enjoyed and listened to her extraordinary CD collection, available at the ready in her outside patio. She travelled the world in the earlier part of her life, and bought back unbelievable stories of her travels.
Franchette was preceded in death by her infant sons, Gerard Jr., and Carl; her brother, Elie Laporte, and sister Francine Lavaud. She is survived by her brothers, Fritz and Wilner Laporte; children, Frantz, Lesly, Yanick and Harry Coles; ten grandchildren, Fabrice, Konrad, Kurt, Diandra, Katrina, Cassandra, Christopher, Naomi, Cedrique and Enya; and six great grandchildren, Jacques, Jordan, Malcolm, Carter, Langston and Bryson.
Mom, our hearts are heavy and saddened. We celebrate you, Franchette, the one we love so very much. We will miss you — we will see you again.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, or Doctors Without Borders.
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
All Saints Catholic Church
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery
© 2024 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Jonathan D Rausch
July 5, 2024, 10:24 pm
We are so sorry Frantz. Your mom was a special lady. You and her have an unbreakable bond.
Scott A Kabalkin
July 5, 2024, 10:34 pm
To My extended family the Coles, my condolences to all. Your Mom my Aunt Chechette will truly be missed. She was and is a very loving person. I will cherish all the good times we had. Love Caille Caille.
Edwidge and Guyguy Solages
July 5, 2024, 11:06 pm
We send you our deepest condolences for the loss of Franchette. She was a wonderful person! May she rest in peace.
Anthony and Dominique Holly
July 9, 2024, 12:24 am
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From mother Theresa,”Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity” Your mom will always be with in your heart ❤️. May she rest in peace.
Frantz Moise
July 9, 2024, 11:43 am
My condolences to the Coles Family
Marquiss Kong
July 9, 2024, 4:05 pm
My condolences to you all the Cole’s Family I know that a light as gone dim from your family but Your Mom, grandmother, aunt friend is shining somewhere else may Franchette RIP I will always love ❤️ her
Denise Marie Rosemond
July 9, 2024, 5:33 pm
I am deeply sorry about the passing of Aunt Franchette, the most elegant and gracious woman I have ever encountered. She was always graceful with her presence and words, touching the lives of everyone around her. Pascal and I are truly saddened by her transition.
Aunt Franchette was not only a beloved aunt by marriage but also a fantastic babysitter to my son, always there when needed with a warm smile and a loving heart. Her hospitality and gracefulness were unmatched, as she welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and made each of us feel cherished.
She was the family’s storyteller, the keeper of history, and someone who lived through and shared countless experiences from the past. Her stories brought us closer to our roots and gave us a deeper understanding of the family’s journey. Her presence was a beacon of love and wisdom, and her legacy will continue to inspire her family.
It was such a pleasure that her grand nephew was able to visit her prior to her transition last year. We are grateful for the time we had with her and the memories we will always treasure. While it is sad to see her transition, we find comfort in knowing that she is in a good place because of the beautiful life she lived.
With heartfelt sympathy and love to the Coles Family.
Denise Marie Rosemond/Pascal Laporte
July 9, 2024, 5:35 pm
I am deeply sorry about the passing of Aunt Franchette, the most elegant and gracious woman I have ever encountered. She was always graceful with her presence and words, touching the lives of everyone around her. Pascal and I are truly saddened by her transition.
Aunt Franchette was not only a beloved aunt by marriage but also a fantastic babysitter to my son, always there when needed with a warm smile and a loving heart. Her hospitality and gracefulness were unmatched, as she welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and made each of us feel cherished.
She was the family’s storyteller, the keeper of history, and someone who lived through and shared countless experiences from the past. Her stories brought us closer to our roots and gave us a deeper understanding of the family’s journey. Her presence was a beacon of love and wisdom, and her legacy will continue to inspire her family.
It was such a pleasure that her grand nephew was able to visit her prior to her transition last year. We are grateful for the time we had with her and the memories we will always treasure. While it is sad to see her transition, we find comfort in knowing that she is in a good place because of the beautiful life she lived.
With heartfelt sympathy and love to the Coles Family.