Obituary of Elsie Guillou

Elsie Leon Guillou, 87, affectionately known as "Choubotte", passed away on Friday morning, November 18, 2016 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Born on August 1, 1929 to Eugene Leon and Odeide Theard in the small town of Les Cayes, Haiti. Elsie ventured beyond her comfort zone to forge a life that would span two countries and be filled with the wonderful mélange of warmth, affection, faith and consummate elegance that were quintessentially "Elsie." Even from the beginning of her marriage to her soulmate and eternal love, William, in 1948—a love that would endure even beyond his death after 66 years together—Elsie was the voice of reason while being an inspiration to pursue his joie de vivre, the arbiter of culture, faith and values within their family. That their children spoke French at home, were steeped in their cultural heritage and held a deep and abiding Catholic faith were all a reflection of her imprimatur on her family. A lady of inimitable grace and élan as well as an indomitable work ethic, Elsie was equally adept whether working as an elementary teacher in Haiti, a histologist after immigrating to the United States or entertaining in high style in the warm embrace of her home or the cultural ambience of her well-loved Haitian social club, Cercle Excelsior. True to her multifaceted talents, her love of French/Haitian/American music and her passion for French crossword puzzles, "Mots Croises", endeared her to her family while underscoring her erudition. Yet it was with the warmth of her welcome and the deft mixture of wisdom and compassion in her counsel that she gained renown among all who knew her. Extending these qualities beyond the borders of the family she dearly loved, to encompass all who crossed her path, Elsie left an indelible and treasured imprint on many lives. Elsie was the Matriarch of the Guillou family. She was preceded in death by her beloved William. Now she is survived by their five children: Mario (Peggy) Guillou, Michaelle (Ronald) Pebbles, Ralph (Cheryl) Guillou, Kharine (Sterling) Reese and Tamara Guillou (Clarence) as well as 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild along with extended family and friends. Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 4PM to 7PM at Freeman Funeral Home in Manalapan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning, November 28, 2016 at 10 o'clock at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manalapan. To share photos, leave condolences, or find directions, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.