Vanette Legros

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, caregiver, and matriarch, Vanette Legros, who departed this life on May 9, 2026.

Vanette Legros was born on April 16, 1940, in Gonaïves to her late mother, Flavir André of Gonaïves, and her late father, Louis Edgar Legros of Marmelade. At a young age, she moved to Port-Au-Prince with her mother, where she attended Catholic Mother External primary school. Tragically, at the age of 12, she lost her beloved mother. Following this loss, she returned to Marmelade to live with her paternal grandmother, where she continued her education and completed her schooling. She later attended middle school in Gonaïves and completed high school in Cap-Haïtien.

Vanette began her professional life as a teacher at Dedune National Middle School. She later worked in pharmacy services in Delmas then Moved to Carrefour and continuing her career with National Haitian Radio and National Haitian Television. Her work ethic, determination, and resilience carried her through every chapter of her life.

In 1990, Vanette immigrated to Boston, where she began her American journey working at a dry cleaner before becoming a cook for a Haitian Multi Services which later became Catholic charity Around 1998–1999, she proudly established her American citizenship. In 2001, she joined Haitian American Human Services, which later became part of Catholic Charities, where she served faithfully as a receptionist until her retirement in 2002.

While her professional accomplishments were admirable, Vanette’s greatest work was within her family and community. She dedicated much of her life to raising her grandchildren and caring for children throughout her Community. She Known affectionately as the “warden” of her home, she ran her household with strength, discipline, and unwavering love. One of her most memorable jokes—and a story many know to be true—was that babysitting ended exactly on time, and if anyone arrived late, the children would already be packed and waiting behind the door to go home.

Vanette home was always open. She never turned away a child in need of care. She loved cooking for those around her and took immense pride in her meals. As she would have made very clear herself, nobody left her table hungry—and no one dared complain about the food because, in her eyes, “her food was good,” and everyone knew it was true.

Vanette was also cherished for her sharp wit and unforgettable responses. She spoke with conviction, and once she had spoken, there was little left to debate. As many lovingly remember her saying in spirit: “I said what I said.”

Her generosity extended far beyond her household. Vanette leaves behind a lasting legacy of charity and service in Haiti, especially within the communities of Carrefour and Ruelle Canne à Sucre, where her kindness and support touched many lives both during her lifetime and through her final acts of giving.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Yves Marie Vadine “Tiva” Preval and spouse Samuel Preval, Carole Jean-Simon Brutus and her spouse Yvel Brutus, Sabine Legros Bolivar and her spouse Ricardo Bolivar, and her only son, Jacques Herold Legros and spouse Kerloune Legros

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, from eldest to youngest: Samantha Preval Cox, Tiffany “Taffy” Preval, Kira Jean Simon Landais, Stravinsky Bolivar, Tatiana Preval, Ymarni Jean Simon, Nehemie “Kelly” Legros, Elliot-Julian Bolivar, and Shiana Legros.

Vanette was also blessed to witness and love her third generation of children through her first two granddaughters. She leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren: Samaya Raymond, Jahliah Preval, Dezyrae Cox, Sieanna Marie Cox, and Tahirah “Vannette” Preval, each carrying forward her love, strength, and legacy for generations to come.

“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — The Bible Proverbs 31:28

Her funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 8:30-10:00am at Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St (Rte 123), Brockton, with a Mass at 10:30am at Christ the King Church, 54 Lyman St, Brockton. Burial will follow at Melrose Cemetery, Brockton.