Rose Marie (Marie Rose) Firmin, 75, a devoted mother, caregiver, and pillar of her faith community, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025.

Born on August 6, 1949, in Pernier—a suburb of Pétion-Ville, Haiti—Rose Marie was a woman of unwavering faith, and her deep spiritual convictions guided every aspect of her life. Raised in Port-au-Prince, she attended local schools and later studied dactylographie at the Julien Crane School.

In 1979, after a two-year courtship, she married Ferdinand Edgard Firmin. Two years later, she immigrated to Boston to join him, initially working in hospitality before finding her calling in health care. Her sister, Yvrose, said, “Rose Marie dreamed of becoming a nurse in Haiti.” While employed as a medical assistant at Faulkner Hospital, she boldly decided to pursue her lifelong dream: becoming a nurse. In her 50s, she enrolled in nursing school and earned her degree from MassBay Community College in 2007—a proud and inspiring milestone for her and her family!

Her nursing skills became especially vital when she cared for her husband during his final years, both in Haiti and Boston. During this time, she also formed a close bond with Esmie, a friend and fellow nursing student who remained by her side through her final days.

More than anything, Rose Marie’s life was defined by her deep faith and service to others. Her daughter Valerie recalls, “Mom instilled strong values and religious beliefs in our family. She led by example, treating everyone with kindness and dignity.” A powerful example of her faith in action was her decision to help build a church in Haiti. After receiving a spiritual vision and encountering a congregation worshipping under a tent, she rallied her family to support the construction and furnishing of a new church building. That vision became reality—and she was its catalyst!

As a dedicated Deaconess in her home church, she sang in the Chorale des Dames, led Friday prayer meetings, and was an active member of Les Rachetés de L’Eternel. Her home was always open to those in need—a place of prayer, comfort, and encouragement. Although she began theological studies at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, she was sadly unable to complete the program due to illness.

Rose Marie was also a family matriarch in every sense. Her son Ralph reflects, “She and Dad taught me how to be a man, a Haitian father, and to embrace my responsibilities.” Her son Herby credits her for nurturing his deep sense of family, and her nephew Ti Da remembers her as someone who “always listened and stood with you.” Her adoptive niece Modeline describes her as “like a mother—she treated me as her own daughter.”

In 2015, Rose Marie began a beloved family tradition known as Third Generation—a holiday Secret Santa that brought together younger cousins and relatives to strengthen family bonds. The most recent gathering welcomed over 30 participants. She expressed her hope that this tradition would continue for generations to come.

In her later years, Rose Marie embraced travel, fulfilling her dream to see more of the world. She carried her family with her in spirit wherever she went.

Rose Marie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ferdinand Edgard Firmin, and by several siblings: Giselle Dumersaint, Bertin Pauleus, Bertine Blanc, Jacqueline Blanc, Marie Claire Blanc, Simon Blanc, Derivier Blanc, and Valentin Blanc.

She is survived by her children Herby, Valerie, and Ralph, her cherished grandson, Ralph Edgard Thomas Firmin, as well as her adoptive niece Modeline. She is also survived by siblings Andrémène Blanc; Yvrose Eliana Blanc Coriolan and her husband Fritz; Jean François Blanc; Voltaire Blanc and his wife Mamona; and Seide Blanc. She leaves behind a large extended family, including sister-in-law Rosemarie Pamphile Pauléus, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and in-laws who will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit.

Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS on Friday, May 30th from 6-9PM. Funeral Service at Boston Missionary Baptist Church, 336 Dudley Street, Roxbury on Saturday May 31st at 9:30AM. In honor of her love for sacred music, the service will include songs from both church choirs that brought her so much joy. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.