Rose (Florvil) Mathieu

Rose (Florvil) Mathieu, 88 of Worcester, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones Friday, March 20th, 2020. Rose aka "Chobotte" was born in Acul Du Nord, Haiti; one of three children of Fabius and Christina (Jean-Pierre) Florvil. She grew up, went on to receive an education, and started her family in Haiti where she lived until 1970. While in Haiti, Rose worked as a preschool teacher, store owner, and professional seamstress. When she immigrated to the US in 1970, she landed in New York where she had her last child. She worked in the school department for the city of New York until her retirement in 1996. Upon her retirement, her and her husband moved back to Haiti to enjoy the rest of their days, where she started the Rose Voltaire Mathieu Foundation in an effort to continue doing what she loved - helping unfortunate children.

Rose is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jacques Voltaire Mathieu, her 5 devoted children: James Mathieu, Stevenson Mathieu, Nirva Blot and husband Raphael Blot, Vody Mary Mathieu, Ludger Mathieu and wife Anissa, her 3 step children Ronald Pierre, Fausnel Pierre whose death had preceded hers 2.5 months prior, Wisline Lariviere and her son Steve Lariviere. 16 grandchildren: Stephany, Vanissa, Rosa Carmelite, Mark, Tyffani, Theodora, Christopher, Cheyenne, Olivia, Alexander, Devin, Jamel, Amari, Patrick, Nyah and Darius. Three great-grandchildren Avery, Crystina Rose, and Emery. 1 niece Huguette Florvil, 2 nephews Ali, Alin Florvil, a sea of cousins, as well as extended family and beloved friends both in the US and Haiti.

Rose was a member of St. Bernard's church in Worcester, St. Jerome's church in Brooklyn, New York, and a member of the local union 1199 in New York. She was a beautiful, kind hearted person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, holidays, music, dancing, enjoyed playing card games with her children and grandchildren who were very dear to her heart. Rose truly believed faith, family, and friends were the most important in life and she always had room in her heart for everyone she met. She was extremely generous with her love time and resources; her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Rose's passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but her loving and caring soul will never be forgotten. Grandma, we love you more than words could ever describe. Thank you for everything and please continue to watch over us while we all continue to make you proud.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, funeral services will be held privately.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.