Marie Lourdes Tunis

Marie Lourdes Tunis, 81, of Randolph, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026. Born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ermite Vertus and Clerdomi Tunis.

Marie Lourdes was a remarkable woman whose strength, generosity, and determination touched everyone who knew her. Blessed with a natural entrepreneurial spirit, she was a successful businesswoman in Haiti who built several ventures through hard work, discipline, and perseverance. She took immense pride in creating opportunities for her family and worked tirelessly to ensure her daughter received the very best education possible, believing deeply that education was one of life’s greatest gifts.

A true pillar of her community, Marie Lourdes was admired and respected for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering willingness to help others. She was also known for her tough demeanor, strength, and sharp mind — qualities that earned her deep respect from everyone around her. Marie Lourdes stood firm in her values, spoke honestly, and carried herself with confidence and resilience throughout her life. Her home was always open to anyone in need, and she gave generously of both her time and resources. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

In later years, Marie Lourdes made the selfless decision to leave behind the successful life and businesses she had built in Haiti to come to America and help care for her granddaughter, a role she embraced with endless love and devotion. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, during which she lost her home, she chose to remain in the United States surrounded by family, where she spent the rest of her days continuing to nurture and support those she loved most.

Throughout her life, Marie Lourdes found joy in life’s most meaningful moments. She loved preparing large meals for family and friends, sharing laughter and jokes that brightened every room, and dancing to the music of her beloved homeland. Her warmth, resilience, humor, and vibrant spirit created lasting memories that her family will cherish forever.

Marie Lourdes was the cherished mother of Marie Evelyne Marseille and her husband of 40 years, Michael Benoit, of Randolph; beloved stepmother of Myrna G. Jean and her husband, Harold Jean; beloved grandmother of Jessica Benoit of Randolph; dear sister of Marie Clerna Tunis, the late Philomena Tunis, and the late Jean Melgame Tunis and his wife Marie Chrislané (St. Fery) Tunis; and loving aunt of Marie T. Tertulien, Marie Annette Tunis, Jean Chrismond Tunis, Marie Christa Tunis, Jean Mario Tunis, Luxon Tunis, Carmel Tunis, Michael Tunis, Wilnick Tunis, and Jean Syllus. She also leaves behind many beloved relatives and dear friends of the Catule, Tunis, Jacob, Polynice, Jecroix, and Vertus and Benoit families.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of resilience, sacrifice, faith, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

All are welcome to her viewing on Friday, July 10th from 9:00–10:15 a.m., followed by her funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at New Jerusalem Evangelical Baptist Church, 871 North Main St., Randolph. Burial will follow at Central Cemetery, 327 North St., Randolph. Live streaming of Marie Lourdes’ funeral service will be available.

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