Senate Resolution No. 595

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Marie Andree Bichotte,
loving mother, proud grandmother, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Marie Andree Bichotte of Brooklyn, New York, died on
Friday, March 19, 2021, at the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, Andree, as she was affectionately known, was born on
November 17, 1938, to Therese Luc and Seraphin Dessources in
Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti; she was the youngest of 26 siblings; and

WHEREAS, She attended Notre Dame du Rosaire School, and the
Guillaume Manigat School in Port au Prince; after graduation, she
returned to Croix-des-Bouquets to work as a seamstress; and she quickly
gained fame for her beautiful wedding and funeral attires, as well as
the tablecloths and curtains she would sew for the well-known convent on
Lalue Street in Port-au-Prince; and

WHEREAS, Later, Andree opened her own boutique where she sold all
types of goods; one day, a family friend, Jean Francois, introduced her
to Marcel Bichotte, lead saxophonist of the iconic band, Jazz des
Jeunes; they were married in 1960 and together they had four children;
and

WHEREAS, Marie Andree Bichotte distinguished herself in her
profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of her community; and

WHEREAS, Marie Andree Bichotte's commitment to excellence, and her
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Andree Bichotte believed the American dream should belong
to others as well; despite the challenges of immigration laws, she
worked tirelessly to ensure her extended family would also realize their
dreams in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Her house was well-known for welcoming anyone who needed a
roof, no matter how tenuous, and, in some cases, non-existent, the
family links might be; her home was a sanctuary for those fleeing the
harsh conditions in the beloved but troubled Haiti homeland, as well as
for those seeking respite from the stress of immigrant life; Andree was
always very generous with her time, money, and advice; and

WHEREAS, Andree Bichotte devoted her life to God; in the early
2000s, she founded La Nouvelle Naissance, a prayer group with members
across the United States; the group, with Andree serving as President,

uplifted Haitian people around the world, and gave timely solace to
those in need; and

WHEREAS, She was an avid traveler who looked forward to new
discoveries as she visited Caribbean islands, European, and South
American countries; and

WHEREAS, Andree Bichotte was also an acclaimed chef who took great
joy in cooking; her signature dish, macaroni au gratin, was always in
demand; no matter what time of the day you came to her home, she would
welcome you with a plate of delicious Haitian food; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her son, Wayne Bichotte, and her stepson,
Carmin Bichotte, Marie Andree Bichotte is survived by her children,
Wagner Bichotte, Marcelle Bichotte-Dunner, and New York State
Asssemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn; one stepdaughter, Gladys
Bichotte; three grandchildren, Wagner L. Bichotte Jr., Kye Dunner and
Kourtney Dunner; three step-granddaughters, Daphnee Bichotte, Sophia
Bichotte-Ligonde, and Ritha Pierre; and her sisters, Lucienne
Dessources, Enid Etienne, and Liliane Orelien; as well as countless
nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Marie Andree Bichotte leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Marie Andree Bichotte, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Marie Andree Bichotte.