Philomène Marguerite Joseph
1926 - 2026
O’Reilly Funeral Home, Inc. is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Funeral Visitation & Prayer Service for Ms. Philomène Marguerite Joseph
Time: Jun 6, 2026 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 898 4835 1207
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O’ REILLY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
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THE MASS WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED ON THE MORNING OF
(9:45AM) SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH, 2026.
MASS LIVESTREAM CAN BE ACCESSED AT ST. CLARE RC CHURCH WEBSITE, LISTED BELOW:
HTTPS://STCLARE-QUEENS.ORG/
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OBITUARY OF
PHILOMÈNE MARGUERITE LEROY JOSEPH
Philomène Joseph (“Philo”) passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Clinton, Maryland. She was born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, on August 10, 1926, to Fulbert Leroy and Miliosa Hilaire. At the age of 12, Philo began her journey of helping her oldest sister and best friend, Esther, care for their 11 siblings. Though the responsibility was great, she often expressed how rewarding it was to help raise her family after the passing of her mother.
Philo was a devoted Catholic who always put God and the Church first. She constantly encouraged others to pray and call on the name of Jesus. She faithfully attended Mass and participated in church activities both in Haiti and in the United States.
As a teacher, Philo had a deep passion for education, especially for children. Whether in school, sewing, cooking, or life, she believed learning was essential. While she cared for all her students, she was especially patient and attentive with those who needed extra guidance.
Philo married the love of her life, Jacques-Louis Joseph, and together they had three beautiful children: Harry, Fulvie, and Chantal. Throughout their marriage, they also opened their home to care for many other children, whom they loved as their own. Their home was lively, with Philo at the center of it all. Though she was strict, she had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Above all, she took her faith and her family very seriously.
While life in Haiti had many blessings, Philo recognized the need to provide greater opportunities for her family. With the support of her late brother, Paul, she emigrated to the United States in 1980, and her three children joined her a few years later. In the U.S., she began anew, working as a nanny and later as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her greatest joy, however, was becoming a grandmother to nine grandchildren: Alex, Dennis, Sherley, Cathleen, Dionne, David, Roger, Philomena, and Jayson. She eventually retired to devote herself fully to them, embracing her role with love, dedication, and pride. She often said this was the most fulfilling “career” of her life.
In time, Philo was blessed with the title of great-grandmother. Leila, Aniya, Michael, and Noah brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment with them. She took great pride in the legacy she and Jacques built—one rooted in faith, education, love, and resilience. Although Jacques passed away in Haiti in 2008, her love for him never faded. In a meaningful tribute, she will be laid to rest on his birthday, Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Philo is survived by her siblings: Rose Jeanne Joseph Leroy, Carmen Anne Leroy Faustin, Rosane Henri Valbrun, and Ronald Henri; her children; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; as well as many cousins, members of her church family, friends, and former students.
The family of Philo extends heartfelt thanks to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.
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My deepest condolences to Harry, Fifie, and Chantal. The love that Philo had for you was overwhelmingly evident. She was so honored to be your mother. Not once has she spoke negatively about the three of you. It was always positive. She was so proud of the three of you and all of your accomplishments. She had always expressed extreme gratitude for your sacrifices you made to care for her. I know you miss her. Miss her in joy and pride to continue her legacy.
My utmost condolences to Alex, Dennis, Sherley, Cathleen, Dionne, David, Roger, Philomena, and Jayson. While grandma had the honor to be our parents’ mother, she had always expressed that being a grandmother to us 9 was not only rewarding but a true blessing. She had a front row seat in all of our lives and boy was she ready for the adventures it brought. While we can all agree Dionne is her favorite, she had a special kind of love for us individually. Alex as the first grandson, you gave her the grandma title. Dennis you took care of her so well the last 16 years! Sweet Cathleen as her second granddaughter you were always extra delicate with her. Dionne you had that bond we all can’t explain but understood and came to admire. David the jokster always ready to make grandma laugh. Roger the first grandson to make her earn the title of Great-grandma! Philomena ball of fire you carry not only her name but also her drive and fierceness. Baby Jay (not so baby anymore) you sealed it as the last born. As for me, Sherley, the first granddaughter (3rd grandchild) the connection my grandmother and I had was out of this world. She loved all of us so much and was super proud of all of our accomplishments. We all carry a piece of her around and portray her kindness, sacrifice, tenacity, discipline, drive, harsh tongue, and hilarious personality.
To grandma’s littlest blessings: Leila, Aniya, Michael, and Noah. While you may not understand what is going on, just know that your Great-grandma Philo loved you so much and she was so proud of you. As you grow up, your parents, Aunties and Uncles promises to show you all the cool things grandma showed us. She will forever be in our hearts.
My sincere to extended family, relatives, and friends. While this may not be a shock to most, I know the pain is still present. Philo impacted all the lives she encountered in such a positive and unique way. It is almost impossible to NOT feel the void she had left. However, she left a lifetime of fun memories, laughter and love.
Thank you Peter and Karissa at Orielly Funeral home for making this difficult process a bit easier. Your hard work, dedication, professionalism, and patience with me and the rest of my family is highly appreciated. Please thank everyone else who played a major part in the planning for us please.