Chantal Immacula Pierre

Chantal Immacula Pierre affectionately known to her friends and family as Chantou, 67, of Lehigh Acres, FL, formerly of New York, NY, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Lehigh Acres. She was born on February 5, 1954, in Les Cayes, Haiti to the late Pedro Maribal and Marieanne Leonce. She migrated to the United States at the age of 17.

Chantal was the first Haitian American woman to work as an Amtrak conductor in the Northeast corridor, where she remarkably conducted for over 20 years. She felt alive on the railroad; there she forged many beautiful friendships that ultimately became her Amtrak family. She always had a story to tell about her Amtrak families like the ones she told about DeRoy, Dennis, and Dave. Her presence on the railroad positively affected many different lives including that of President Joseph Biden in which they had forged a strong bond. This bond between Chantal and President Biden, provided her the opportunity to lead the crew that worked the 56th inauguration in January 2009 when Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States.

Some of the favorite stories told by Chantal were about her childhood and all the wonderful things she planned to do to help the people in Haiti, a country that she cherished so much. She loved to be on the phone like a teenager all night sharing various narratives with her sister, Janine, about life, love, and world events.   Chantal was also an avid chef who enjoyed feeding everyone who graced her doorstep. She took delight in preparing everyone's favorite meals. Everyone knew that when Chantal was in the kitchen cooking, you were going to eat a delicious meal, leave with hearty seconds, and an extra ten pounds. She was known for her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and “tell it like it is” personality. 

Chantal was the people’s champion and an advocate for women’s rights who was committed to helping women achieve their life goals. She was a confidant to many as they trusted her with their dreams, and in return, she provided the support, resources, commitment, and dedication to helping them make those dreams come true.  She helped start the Haitian Times in New Jersey and many other insightful endeavors.  Chantal has taken many people under her wings and has touched countless lives. She affectionately had a way to make every one of us feel special.

Chantal was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrice Louis Pierre in 1999 and her son, Patrice Emile Pierre in 1990. Chantal leaves many loved ones to cherish her memory. Her children: Maureen Camper, Rodney Pierre (Lavette), William Askew, and Peter Leonce; Her grandchildren: Darryl, Shaniqua, Sydney, Jaden, Ramira, Payton, Katrell, Sade, and Sharell; Her siblings: Janine Jean-Louis Domingue, Marie Therese Hyppolite, Nirva Brunty, Robert Philanftrope (Lucy), Eddy Simon (Armelle), Jocelyne Simon (Fritz) and Michelle Guillaume. A host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.

No formal services are planned at this time.

The family would like to thank the special helpers and earthly angels Michelle Guillaume and Joseph Ribul that God sent to watch over our mother over the last few years. We cannot thank you enough for the continued support and love you have shown our mother.

Please accept our family's sincere gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and sympathy shown to us during our moment of sorrow.  The prayers, phone calls, and moral support have been a comforting blessing to all of us.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.