Visitation

Friday, November 15, 2024

6:00pm-9:00pm

Landmark Funeral Home

Funeral Mass

St. Stephen Catholic Church

1:00pm

Burial

Our Lady Queen of Heaven



Edline Francois, affectionately known as ‘Ma Hodge’ or ‘Yayat’ of Thibaud, Dominica, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, on Wednesday November 6^th 2024, at her residence in Hollywood, Florida.

Ma Hodge is survived by her six sons; Andrew, Mark, Addison, Martin, Benjamin and Timothy Francois in the United States, five sisters; Verge Vidal, Jennie Francois, Anestine Bruno, and her twin sister Isline Paul in Florida, and Catherine Coleman in Antigua. Other close relatives include her daughters-in-law Nathanie, Anaclette, Joannie and Andrea Francois in Florida, and her brother-in-law, Garford Francois in Florida.

Ma Hodge was born in Thibaud, Dominica as one of twin girls to parents, Margretta and Joseph Letang; she was the second of nine siblings. She spent her early years in Thibaud, where she attended primary school, and later got married to Hodge Francois. Their marriage bore six boys. Since she was not blessed with a daughter, Ma Hodge adopted her little sister, Jenny, who became the daughter she never had, and a sister to her sons. She was a devoted catholic and was also a member of the Social League Group; this meant that her children were always present at mass. She also enjoyed cooking, family gatherings and belle.

Unfortunately, her husband passed away at the young age of 38, leaving her with six young men and a young woman, to raise. Ma Hodge promised her husband that she would raise their children and she did not waiver in her commitment to do so. She became mother and father, engaging in farming to help sustain her family, even while being a fulltime housewife. She taught her boys basic life skills such as cooking, doing laundry and how to be responsible, and ensured that their needs were met. Jenny also did her part too, and was often the ‘Barber’ to her brothers.

Jenny did not forget the love and care that her sister/adopted mother extended to her. She migrated to St Croix in search of a better life and some years after, she was also able to facilitate Ma Hodge’s migration to St Croix. As a single parent in search of a better life for her family, Ma Hodge had to make the difficult decision to leave her sons behind. But, being the devoted and responsible mother that she was, this was only for a short time, and about a year later, she was able to bring all her sons to St Croix to live with her, where they lived for five years. While in St Croix, Ma Hodge worked as a house keeper and also used the opportunity to attend high school/adult education. In 1987, Ma Hodge left St Croix and moved her family to Florida, where she resided until her death. In Florida, she worked as a Housekeeper at a hotel.

Ma Hodge’s love for family also blessed her with 19 grandchildren; Andrea, Shana, Andrew Jr., Naiola, Andren, Adisha, Hasani, Sydney, Cortney, Skylar, Benjamin, Patrick, William, Kadayah, Kerziah, Tamisha, Lissane, Haylie and adopted son Ronny. Her loving family extended to included 39 nieces and nephews; Jennifer, Symbert, Juliet, Charles, Christina, Maudrina, Rupert, Irma, Kent, Theresa, Jaqueline, Dixon, Blondell, Hyson, Keith, Augustina, Justina, Paul, Anna, Emmanuel, Frampton, Roger, Esther, Rosier, Sheryl, Alina, Nigel, Vincent, Meranda, Ronnie, Rachael, Frances, Rebecca, Joey, Juan, Juanita, Gomez, Lisa and Heskeith, and step-son Waldo, as well as many cousins.

Her benevolent spirit will be missed by family and friends both here and back home in Thibaud. As a devout catholic, who read her bible every day and persistently prayed the ‘Lord’s Prayer’, Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, we can be comforted knowing that her faith in God has prepared her for her next journey beyond this earth. Rest in eternal peace Ma Hodge.