Caridad "Dady" Gerdes

Caridad Gerdes, affectionately known as "Dady," graced this world with her compassionate spirit and vibrant presence from January 13, 1925, until March 6, 2025. Born in Jeremie, Haiti, Dady, the eldest of five siblings, led a life filled with cherished memories and loving connections that spanned generations.

Growing up in Jamaica provided the foundation for a life rich in culture and family values. Dady eventually moved back to Haiti, where she established a loving home with her husband, Raymond Gerdes. Together, they created a family that would grow to include four beloved children: Nancy Allien, Johnny Gerdes, Ralph Gerdes, and Michel Gerdes. With an innate talent for nurturing, Dady spent countless hours making lunches for her children, ensuring that each meal was infused with love. Her hands were not only skilled in the kitchen; they brought to life the art of beautiful fabric shopping with her daughter, taking delight in the creation of stunning dresses crafted by the local seamstress.

Dady's home was a sanctuary of warmth and togetherness, where holiday dinners became cherished traditions. She poured her heart into creating beautiful salad platters that were as much a feast for the eyes as they were for the palate. Her love extended beyond her immediate family, as she created everlasting bonds with her grandchildren and honorary grandchildren, especially during lively gatherings at Delmas 43. Dancing through life's celebrations, she took great joy in teaching her great granddaughters the graceful art of ballet, leaving them with the kind of joyful memories that dance softly in the heart.

Beyond her roles as a mother and grandmother, Dady was an avid painter, her passion evident in each brushstroke. Shopping, too, was a beloved pastime, and she always found joy in curating a vibrant wardrobe filled with sandals and blouses. The spark of competition came to life when she played Chinese checkers with her great grandkids, firmly establishing herself as the reigning champion—a true testament to her playful spirit.

Dady leaves behind a treasured family, including her children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren, who will carry her legacy forward. She is survived by her sister Meggy Curth, adored brother George Nicolas, and sister-in-law Edith Gerdes, as well as her brother-in-law Tony Grob. The warmth of her presence will forever be felt not only by her family but also by the many friends who were fortunate enough to know her, including close family friends and members of the Gerdes, Nicolas, Allien, Gardere, Reimers, Block, and Orobona families. Additionally, she is remembered fondly by her friends Erica Hessler and Lysie Achille.

Dady was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Gerdes, her father Arthur Nicolas, her mother Ita Cooper Nicolas, and her sisters Edith Cardozo and Fufy Grob. Although she has left this earthly realm, her spirit will remain alive in the hearts of all who loved her.

As we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of Caridad Gerdes, let us hold dear the memories of her laughter, her loving touch, and the warmth of her embrace. She taught us the importance of family, the joy of creativity, and the beauty of connection. In our hearts, Dady will always be cherished and remembered.