Solange Cantave

Solange Cantave was born in Mirebalais, Haiti to Alix Cassagnol and Charite Charlot. She was the oldest of her siblings and often took care of them when her mother was out of town. At a very young age, she married her husband, Mendes Cantave, and remained in Mirebalais for a while. Although she was married, she maintained a close relationship with her brother and sisters. Solange left Mirebalais shortly after her marriage and settled in Port-au-Prince. She remained in Port-au-Prince and commuted between Haiti and New York for years.

Solange had five children with her husband Mendes: Ketteline, Alix, Lynne, Yamilee, and Mendes Junior. Solange had ten grandchildren: Jeff, Robbie, Rachel, Alexa, Amy, Carl-Olivier, Ali, Kristie, Naelle, and Sebastien. Solange had five great grandchildren: Anastasia, Aliyah, Elysia, Amelie, and Angelise. She was preceded in death by her daughter Ketteline and her husband Mendes.

Solange was a very simple person who valued a simple life. She never wore pants, rarely wore makeup, and never let her hair down (her hair was always in a ponytail). She took comfort in simple pleasures like word search puzzles and prayer. She was very religious and would always say that God would not let anything bad happen to her. She strongly believed in God’s power and ability to take care of her.

Solange was devoted to her family. She loved us all and had her favorites amongst us. Through her actions, she would take care of everyone meaningful to her. She was a very private person who would only confide in a select few and did her best to keep her life under the radar. Yet even to those who she confided in, she would keep many feelings to herself to be less of a burden on others.

Solange exuded strength and courage. She embraced her illness with humility and never once complained about pain or not feeling well. It was only through her facial expression and actions that her discomfort was discernable. She would never ask for pain medication but accepted it only when offered. Despite her pain within the stages of her condition, she would always stick to her daily routine which was to make her bed, fold her clothing, and wash the dishes.

Solange has left to mourn her: her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, honorary granddaughter Mikayla, and many others who have touched her life in some way. We miss you. We love you. And we will always remember you Grandma.