After spending her final days surrounded by family love and care, Gisele Gaillard passed away in peace and comfort on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Gisele was born on February 17, 1938 in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, made Port-au-Prince, Haiti home, and then later lived in Cuba, Key West (Florida), Boston (Massachusetts), and Canada before living out the rest of her life in New York City. Gisele was a courageous, inspiring, self-assured, and spiritual woman who loved her fashion, beauty, a good party and parades, and had the confidence of a diva that was well loved by many. Although she held many roles such as a housekeeper and home attendant, one of her greatest roles was being a mother and raising her two children, Willio Gaillard and Willia Gaillard. Gisele was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2010 and then with Papillary Thyroid Cancer in her final weeks, but she showed her warrior, lover, and festive spirit all the way through to her final moments. Gisele Gaillard is reunited in spirit with: her son, Willio Gaillard; her parents, including her beloved mother Renée; her siblings, including Edouard and Emile; and her spiritual guides Erzulie and Ayizan. She is survived by: her daughter Willia Gaillard, Willia’s wife Nicola Gaillard; her grandchildren: Jennifer Gaillard, Kevin Gaillard, Renée Gaillard, Nailah Gaillard, and Zariyah Gaillard; her great-grandchild Claudia; her nieces and nephews including Nadia Ouimet, Emilie Ouimet, and Edy Leys; her cat Tepiece; and her dear family, friends, and healthcare professionals that aided in her care over the last 16 years. –From the earth we come and to the earth our bodies return. Gisele Gaillard will soon return back to the earth as soil for a tree and will then be honored in a family celebration of her life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in honor of Gisele here. Funds raised support the critical work of the Alzheimer's Association: providing care and support for families, advancing promising research and offering a lifeline through their free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900). Every dollar raised helps ensure that no one faces Alzheimer's alone.The family of Gisele Gaillard greatly thanks everyone for sharing care and concern during this time. We appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, calls, messages, memorial donations, and love.
