IN LOVING MEMORY OF GEORGETTE COLAS

Georgette was the 2^nd of 7 children for Judge Couthon and Antoinette Alexis.  She was born on September 12, 1932 in Jacmel, Haiti.   After her preliminary and secondary studies, she received her nursing diploma and was also a trained midwife.  As a practicing nurse, she worked in both the private and public health sectors, taught nursing at the University of Haiti school of Medicine and was later appointed as Nurse general.  She migrated to New York in 1992 and continued to work in the healthcare profession for the State of New York Health department in the Tuberculosis control division, then subsequently at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens until she retired in 2014 and moved to South Florida.

Georgette, “Mammy Gette” as she was affectionally called, was a veritable force of nature.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren whom she influenced with love, grace, respect, civility and kindness.  Her cooking was that of a “Cordon Bleu”.  She loved to sing, play the piano and garden.  She was a kind and reserved woman with a strong will who did not shy away from taking charge in any situation in which she was involved. A natural leader with a head for organization, she was very intelligent and understood even at a young age how to manage people.

As a young nurse she was given the responsibility of developing important training programs for nurses across all of Haiti, establishing standards for education and training throughout the island. She travelled by helicopter or by car to reach remote areas, inspecting nursing schools and clinical programs that elevated the standard of care throughout Haiti. She was always present at nursing school graduations. Georgette was a “super nurse” with a sharp clinical acumen. She was recognized by the President of Haiti for her work and was respected by physicians and nurses alike. She touched the lives of hundreds of women professionally and personally by setting an example of her high standards.  As a devout catholic, Georgette left an indelible impression on all in her circle of influence, which was very large, and had become an advocate for abused women.

She now joins her parents and siblings Herriot and Renee, who preceded her, and lives on through her work and the family she lives behind:  children Ronald (Gaye), Dirk-Audy, Regine, Josfere (Viviane) and Yvrose (Lesly); grandchildren Melissa-Joanne, Lewis (Rania), Isabelle (Dimeji), Olivier (Sonia), Reginald, Jean-Luc, Orele and Richard; and great-grandchildren Kalyana, Anthony-Lewis, Milana, Olivia, and Owen-Robert.

She is survived by her spouse Malherbe, her brothers Jean, Richard (Jesse), sisters Micheline (Roger) and Laure, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation to be held from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.

Mass to be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 8005 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Florida 33025.

Due to the attendance restrictions of both the funeral home and the church, Mrs. Georgette Colas’ services are strictly limited to family members. A virtual attendance link will be provided.

Live streaming to begin at 3:00 PM at https://youtu.be/ngEA7Mg9ons

Please note modifications are in place regarding Visitation and Services due to the Coronavirus . Boyd-Panciera is following all local and state guidelines and is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health to our families and staff to halt the spread of COVID-19.  Social Distancing and Face Masks are in effect.