Joseph Bertheau Saintuma's Obituary
Joseph Bertheau Saintuma was born aux Cayes on May 29, 1930 from the late Belleviette Bellevue and Frazius Saintuma. He attended les frères de l’Instruction Chretienne Catholic School aux Cayes and Lycee Petion a Port-au-Prince. He was first an elementary teacher tutoring many students who became professionals. He tutored his children from kindergarten to 7th grade. He continued his carreer in mechanic where he works for 20 years in SNEM, company that eradicated malaria in Haiti as a mechanic. Then later on in CONATRA as a city bus driver.
In 1964, he met the love of his life, Alicia Maignan, which he married, who has demonstrated the model of “for better or for worst” in marriage, a model of submission, love and support. They have 2 girls, Marie Yolene Saintuma and Mona Saintuma Vallon. Later in life, he had his son Gregory Saintuma who was his pride and joy of a boy carrying forth his last name. His late adopted daughter Marie marcelle Calice was very dear to him and was grieving her death until the end.
On August 11, 1999, he migrated in the US where he works at Sbarro in Fort Pierce for 1 year, in Port St-Lucie hospital for 3 years and in Life Care center of Port St Lucie for 6 years. At that time he had filled the joy of his beloved daughter by accepting Christ as his personal savior and got baptized by his son-in-law and his 1st pastor, Pastor Farnese Vallon, in December of 1999 in the Seventh- day Adventist Church
Besides Yolene, Marcelle, Mona, and Gregory, pappy Joe, had many other children, “adopted children” both in Haiti and in the U.S, both in the work place and in the church. He has invested time and money in education, in Christian education, and in prayer ministry. He loved to pray and encouraged everyone who is spending time with God in prayer. Yahwey Nissy and T.W ministry were his favorite prayer lines.
work, Education, Integrity and Prayer were principals number 1 for him. At the age of 79 he graduated at Indian River Community College with a certificate on Environmental service, He has worked until the age of 80 and wanted to keep working until death, but sickness did not permit him. He was the lawyer, the judge, the peacemaker, and the treasurer for his family and friends. He is missed.
His dream was to see all of his children, family and friends in God’s kingdom. Make sure that you too, you are there.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
