It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Renee Mirault Cumberland our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and Godmother.

Born on October 26, 1928, in Port-au-Prince Haiti, 3^rd of 5 children of Lise Mirault.

At the age of 16 Renee followed her passion, calling and the love of the arts even with strong disapproval by her mother and parents.  She became one of Haiti brightest stars during “la belle epoque”. She became the headliner at many of Haiti’s premiere venues such as Theatre de verdure, Ibo Lélé, casino, Choucoune, Camaraderie to name a few of the local venues and as well as many trips abroad as tourism ambassador representing Haiti. Renee traveled to Cuba and sang with Celia Cruz, to Jamaica and sang with Harry Belafonte, traveled to the United State to dance with Arthur Mitchell founder of the dance Theater of Harlem, Eartha Kitt, Lavinia Williams, Catherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey just to name a few. She is best remembered for singing with her most memorable friend and mentor Lumane Casimir.  While her star was shining bright, she still manages to raise three children, Odette (Nonoche), Carl (Tippet), and Marie (Poutou)

In 1960 Renee migrated to the US for a better life and security for her family. Renee, like so many migrants, had to start a new life in the US.  Just when she thought she would never act or sing and dance again she joins Troupe Choucoune.  Becoming a principal Actress and furthering her craft in Haitian theater.

In the United States Renee worked countless jobs to send money home to take care of her children.  That is when her goals changed, and she pursued a career in health care. Taking care of countless patients.  Renee never stopped studying before her retirement, she received her Radiology and LPN certificates.  She was a hard worker, often working two jobs to support her family.  Renee’s love of people and family became even more evident during this time. 

Renee as a parent was loving, stern but extremely supportive.  She was a great parent but an amazing grandparent. She loved kids and kids loved her. Her love for her family is evident by the love she has shared with her myriad of nieces, nephews and g0d- children. She taught countless of us how to cook and clean, but the greatest lesson was self-care. Renee nails were always impeccably manicured and her eyebrows always straight and refined.  Renee prided herself as a fashionist in Haiti as well as in the US.  Let us say that she never entered a room unseen! 

Renée never forgot to reach out and cultivate her friendships, ensuring that everyone she loved knew she loved them all while drinking her famous coffee.  Renee’s coffee was therapy for so many who knew her.  You could always count on some good advice, a home cooked meal and a great cup of coffee.  She always had a way of making you laugh and smile.  Renee never met a stranger. All who knew her were drawn in by her charismatic and colorful words and her amazing beauty. Renee was a super star in her own right and her talent was only dimmed by her love for people.

We must again mention Renee’s awesome sense of humor, her infectious smile, her robust and hearty laugh as well as her poignant authoritarian words of wisdom solicited or not. Many may not know but Renee was a prayer warrior. She prayed for all of us in the family when we were in trouble and could not pray for ourselves, she did numerous novenas and fasted many days and nights for us.   Renee was a Mother, a Grandmother, a Great grandmother, an Aunt and a Friend to so many.  She lived a Great Life with no regrets.

Renée is survived by…

Sister: Myrtha Jean Baptist

Lifelong Friend: Emily Faine

Children: daughter Odette Constant Little and Spouse Rudy Little, son Carl Vincent and spouse Nancy Vincent and daughter Marie Guilliam and Spouse Hilton Guilliam.

Grandchildren: Tania Vincent, Rudy Little Jr. and Spouse Layna Little, Isaah Vincent, Carlos Vincent, and spouse Brittany Peterson, Shaina Little, Karrah Vincent, Melyssa Douillard and Saied Cumberland

Great Grand Child: Estelle Vincent

God Child: Anaiah Smith

Nieces and Nephews: Regine Audain, Joel Audain, Soraya Audain, Bernard Saint-Ile, Gene Faustin, Guntz Jean Phillipe, Regina Morency, Daphne Bruny, Stephanie Charles, Moise Jean Baptist, Claude Victor St. Surin, Carine St. Surin Ade

And host of great-grand Nieces and Nephews.

As well as a community of neighbors and good friends.

Renee will be missed by all who knew her and loved her, Rest in Peace, We love you!