Cleo Lecointe

We have gathered here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable yet humble woman of faith. She has touched our lives in many ways. Losing our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law, and friend has not been easy, but God gives strength. She was the Matriarch of our family. She went home to be with her Lord on October 31, 2025, at the beautiful age of 90. Cleo Lecointe, affectionately known as Ma, Granny Cleo, grandma, auntie Cleo, Ma Cleo, and Sister Cleo, was born on March 15, 1935, in Coulibistrie, Dominica, to Terry Lecointe and Milutine Larocque. In her time, she was only able to attain a primary/Elementary education, but this did not deter her from being the go-getter she was in life. Growing up in these times was not easy for any parent financially, which left her and her siblings in challenging, humble circumstances. At a very young age, she knew what it meant to work hard to care for her own family. Her career began as the cleaner of the Coulibistrie Health Center. That she did diligently and remarkably well. The nurses that she worked with at the time would always compliment her on a job well done. And that was consistent—a great cleaner. Of course, she left this trait with us. To be tidy. She was not content with just this job because the pay was low, so she also took up farming, which became her main livelihood. Again, she took it seriously and with determination. Her children then became part of both jobs. She toiled hard to maintain her livelihood. In August 1979, Hurricane David left a trail of devastation on every sector of this tiny island of Dominica. In the aftermath of the hurricane, she visited her farm and found that the hurricane had destroyed all her hard work. Instead of being angry about the situation, she began singing this well-known hymn – "It is no secret what God can do," knowing that the lord giveth and her taketh away. It was at this point that she attended a Gospel crusade at the Coulibistrie Gospel Mission Church and surrendered her life over to God. She never turned back. Even on her deathbed, she was evangelizing, telling her children and loved ones about Jesus' love. God bless you, Mother Cleo. On her birthday in 1995, she was forced into retirement from her government job after turning 60. She didn't like that, knowing the workaholic that she was. Nonetheless, due to her seriousness and professionalism on the job, she was able to recommend her first daughter, Maureen, to replace her. Our Matriarch lived life to the fullest, marked by strength, love, and faith. She was a woman of extraordinary character —a loving mother who, through every joy and hardship, raised ten children on her own: five sons and five daughters. Though her first daughter has gone on before her, she carried each of them in her heart every single day. Her love for her family was steadfast and unconditional. But our grandma's love didn't stop with her children. She also helped raise several of her grandchildren, pouring into them the same wisdom, patience, and compassion that guided her own children. She taught us all what it means to be strong, kind, and to keep going even when life gets hard. Your legacy will continue our beloved one. Her home was never just a house —it was a haven filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of her cooking. Everyone who entered her doors felt loved and welcome. She just loved people. In the late 1990s, she migrated to the USA to provide her children with a pathway to citizenship. She successfully accomplished that. She never loved living there permanently because of the cold weather and would travel back home during the winter months. She was in the USA, but her heart was in Dominica. It was in 2013 that she returned home with the intention of settling in her community. However, the little island, prone to hurricanes, found a way to get her back to the USA. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island, and ever since, she has dreamt of going back home, but to no avail. It was two weeks before her death, she asked her daughter, Monica, "Are you taking me home when I die or will you bury me here in the USA?". Monica responded, "I would have loved to grant you your wishes, but it will be too expensive". She said OK, do what you can. Grandma was deeply faithful to God. Her bible was never far from her side, its pages worn from years of prayer, reflection, and devotion. Even as her body grew weaker, her spirit remained unshakable. There were many scripture verses she loved and quoted by memory, including Psalms 23. She trusted in God until her very last breath, and that foundation shaped her entire family. One of the things we will remember about Grandma was her incredible memory and financial acumen. She could recall every birthday and be sure to be the first to wish happy birthday, even when it meant getting up early. She also recalled every name, every story from years gone by. She knew all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren —and even her precious great-great-grandchild —by name and by heart. To her, each person was special, and she never let us forget how deeply loved we were. If she had attained at least a secondary education, she would probably be one of the best financial advisors in the world. She budgeted and handled her finances well. Grandma has never been shy about voicing her opinion on any platform, at home, in church, or in the community. Even on her deathbed, she could not be spined easily, and still wanted to give instructions as to how to clean her and prepare meals. Everything had to be done on time. She left us with dignity. Though we mourn her passing today, we also give thanks for the gift of 90 years, for the lessons she taught us, and for the legacy she leaves behind. Her hands may now rest, but her love lives in every one of us. We will carry her faith, her strength, and her kindness forward, so that her spirit continues to shine through generations to come. Rest peacefully, our beloved. You have finished your work here, and we know that you are rejoicing in the presence of the Lord you loved and served faithfully. As your dear Bro Dave Laudat quoted upon hearing of your transition to Glory Land, "Heaven's Best is in Heaven's Rest. If there are Medals for Mothers, Granny, you'll win Everyone.