Bernadette Raphael

In Loving Memory of Bernadette Raphael Sunrise: February 2, 1958 – Sunset: October 16, 2025

Bernadette Raphael, affectionately known as Dedette or Dette, was born Bernadette Jean Bazile on February 2, 1958, in Port-à-Piment, Haiti — the beloved youngest child of Nerva Jean Bazile and Orphanise Emile Jean Bazile. She grew up surrounded by love alongside her five siblings: Neiva Jean Bazile, Claudie Jean Bazile, Louis Jean Bazile, Marie Denise Jean Bazile Lamothe, and Lorraine Jean Bazile.

Rooted in faith from an early age, Bernadette was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She joyfully participated in the choir and served as a scout, nurturing her love for community and service.

Bernadette’s compassion extended far beyond her home. From an early age, she had a gift for nurturing others and a passion for education. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher, dedicating herself to helping children build a strong foundation for their educational journey. Her patience, warmth, and gentle spirit made her a beloved figure in every classroom she entered.

Later in life, Bernadette transitioned to healthcare, carrying her compassion beyond the classroom. Her commitment to helping others reflected her deep faith and kind heart. For 23 years, she worked as a Healthcare Professional, caring for her patients with tenderness, empathy, and excellence. Her coworkers affectionately called her “Bernie” — a name spoken with admiration and love by those who witnessed her kindness and tireless dedication. She treated every patient as family, providing comfort and dignity in their most vulnerable moments.

Bernadette loved people and the Lord. Her home was always open — a place of comfort, laughter, and generosity. At any given moment, she was supporting a family, an orphan, or a small business in her beloved Haiti. Her laughter was soft but contagious, her kindness, limitless. She gave of herself freely, without ever seeking recognition, and in doing so, she taught us the true meaning of love.

There was strength in her softness and wisdom in her silence. To know Bernadette was to experience warmth, faith, and grace in motion. Her legacy of love, service, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Bernadette is survived by her loving partner Dr. Jean Delouis Paulin; her cherished daughters Swanellie Paulin and Valerie Paulin; her devoted sons-in-law Dr. Pierre Tony St. Juste and Guichemadaire Batteau; and her beloved grandchildren Sébastien Paulin St. Juste, Averie Bernadette St. Juste, Bree Batteau, Blaire Batteau, and Bailey Batteau. She is also survived by her dear sisters Marie Denise Jean Bazile Lamothe and Lorraine Jean Bazile, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Bernadette’s life reflected her faith, her boundless love, and her quiet strength — a legacy that will continue to guide all those who loved her.