Obituary of Margarette Vaval

WHEN VISITING TODAY PLEASE BE MINDFUL THAT WE ARE UNDER THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS. WE ARE ASKING THAT WHEN COMING IN TO VISIT THAT WE COME IN ONE OR TWO AT A TIME. PLEASE PRACTICE THE SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES. WE APOLOGIZE, BUT WE WANT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES ALONG WITH OUR STAFF TO REMAIN SAFE AND HEALTHY. Margarette Antoine-Vaval of Somerset, New Jersey passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 6:45pm. Margarette was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Moise Antoine and Celina Moreau-Antoine. She was the sixth child of nine siblings. Margarette came to the United States in August of 1969 with her sister Marnelle and her brother Kenel. Speaking only French and Creole, she mastered the English language within six months of arriving in America. Margarette embraced the United States and acclimated well to her newly adopted country; however she never forgot her Haitian roots. Margarette had a love for Haiti that was unparalleled and made it a goal to visit her beloved island every year. Haiti was Margarette’s first true love. Margarette also loved nursing. She knew early on that she had a desire to help others and thus pursued a career in nursing, an area in which she excelled. Margarette loved being a nurse, and her passion for nursing led her to complete a Master’s in Nursing Degree while working full-time. Magarette’s deep love for Haiti and nursing were demonstrated in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince in 2010. Despite family pleas to stay in the US, she fearlessly, and without hesitation, went to Haiti with other courageous responders to help those in need. Margarette was a hero. Margarette also loved her family dearly. Margarette had a gregarious personality and loved being around her family, her cousins, her friends, her co-workers and her patients. She connected with all people and the door to her home was always open to those she loved. Once Margarette let you into her heart you became family. Margarette will be missed dearly by so many. She will always be remembered for her generous spirit, her lovely smile and her big loving heart. Margarette is survived by her brothers: Leslie, Charles and Kenel, her sisters: Maude, Judith, Marnelle and Shelley, her half-sister, Guislaine, and her nephews, nieces and their children. “Love is patient and kind… love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4- 8 The Antoine families thank all who loved Margarette, those who were able to attend the viewing, and those who participated via live streaming. We are very appreciative and feel your love and support.