Mrs. Princina (Syverain) Romain passed away on June 2, 2026.

Princina ”Princesse” was born on February 10, 1930, in Cayes-Jacmel, Haiti, the youngest of four siblings. From a very young age, she learned the art of sewing, a skill that became both her profession and a reflection of her character, patient, diligent, creative, and dedicated to serving others. She worked as a seamstress throughout her life in Haiti and continued her trade after immigrating to the United States in 1974. Through her gifted hands, she not only created garments but also helped provide for her family and support those around her.

She was married to Iliodor Romain, who preceded her in death. She was the proud mother of nine children and lovingly adopted two more, embracing them as her own. Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of three of her children, Jean Edvard Romain, Joseph Herve Romain and Yvette Syverain Lafleur, she remained steadfast in her faith and unwavering in her devotion to her family.

To her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who knew her, Princesse was much more than a mother or grandmother. She was the heart of the family, its guiding force, and its foundation. In Haitian Creole, she was truly the poto mitan—the central pillar that holds everything together.

Her home was a place of refuge, comfort, and love. She raised her children with strength and compassion, and many of her grandchildren were blessed to spend part of their childhood living under her roof, receiving her guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. There was always room at her table, a listening ear for those who needed encouragement, and a helping hand for anyone facing hardship.

Her generosity extended far beyond her family. Princesse was a pillar of her community, known for her kindness and unwavering willingness to help others. Long before online fundraisers existed, she would organize what she affectionately called a "marathon" whenever someone was in need. She would encourage family and friends to contribute whatever they could, teaching all of us that true wealth is measured not by what we possess, but by what we are willing to share.

Her compassion reached across generations. In 2002, she founded “Petit Jesus de Prague,” an initiative dedicated to providing school tuition and educational expenses for 69 children annually from her hometown, believing that education was one of the greatest gifts a person could receive and ensuring that it was accessible to everyone. She took pride in helping young people pursue opportunities that might otherwise have been beyond their reach.

She was also known for organizing "Noël des Pauvres" ("Christmas for the Poor"), a cherished tradition through which she gathered and served meals to elderly members of her community who were struggling or alone. She believed that no one should be forgotten, especially during the Christmas season. Through these acts of kindness, she brought dignity, hope, and joy to countless lives.

Whether helping a child attend school, supporting a family in crisis, or ensuring that an elderly neighbor had a warm meal and companionship, Princesse lived her faith through action. Her life was a testament to Christ's call to love and serve others, and her example continues to inspire all who knew her.

Faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith every day through prayer, service, and devotion to others. A devoted member of the Legion of Mary, she found joy in serving God and sharing His love with those around her. In her later years, one could often find her watching EWTN, her favorite television channel, faithfully following the daily Mass and often watching two Masses each day. Her trust in God never wavered, and her faith remained her source of strength through every season of life.

Even in her later years, Princesse embraced life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed coloring and working on word-search puzzles, activities that brought her peace, joy, and quiet satisfaction. She approached each day with gratitude and grace, finding beauty in life's simplest moments.

Princesse's life was a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, faith, and love. She worked tirelessly, prayed faithfully, and gave generously. She nurtured not only her own family but also countless others who were fortunate enough to cross her path. Her wisdom, kindness, and example shaped generations and will continue to do so for years to come.

In her final days, surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren, she reflected on the life she had lived and the family she had helped build. With quiet satisfaction and wisdom, she shared these words in French: "On a bien travaillé"—"We have worked well." Those words beautifully captured the life she lived: a life of sacrifice, perseverance, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Princesse leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the countless acts of kindness she inspired. Her lessons of compassion, generosity, hard work, and unconditional love will continue to guide those who were blessed to know her.

A mother's love is the thread that binds generations together. Through her hands, her faith, her sacrifices, and her unwavering devotion, Princesse stitched a legacy of love into the lives of all who knew her. Though her hands are now at rest, the fabric she wove through her family and community will endure for generations.

In her final reflection, she reminded us of the life she had lived and the work she had accomplished: "On a bien travaillé"—"We have worked well." Those words remain a testament to a life faithfully lived, a family lovingly raised, and a legacy that will continue long after her earthly journey has ended.

May she rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom she loved and served so faithfully.

Princesse is survived by:

Her children—Jean Clerveau Romain, Rose Laure Romain Charles, Jean Patrick Romain, Ibsen Henrick Romain, Kettie Romain Louis, Marie-Francoise Syverain, Thierie Romain Mathieu, Lynda Romain Cesar

Her grandchildren—Florus-Stall Romain (deceased), Marc-Endy Lauraque, Ted Edvard Romain, Pierre Line Janvier Romain, Melissa Quethia Kovach, Medge Romain, Sue Angelique Romain, Sarah Romain, Jamie Romain, Dany Romain, Nirva Ange Eustache Vyles, Yves Adwenson Romain, Ginadelle Romain, Evenson Romain, Garry Romain, Melissa Sandra Romain, Iliodort Junior Romain, Lynda Romain, Enousse Jean Jacques, Batchebah Jean-Charles, Lyndia Prophete, Tarah Kendra Romain, Jean Clerval Veillard, Aurelie Princina Romain, Ayana Aurore Charles, Kevin Ross Charles, Alexandra Dona Romain, Ashley Nelson, Carla Nelson, Nikholas Romain, Dimitri Romain, Dimitri Romain, Anne Daphney Romain-Jean, Derrick Romain, Medge Dorothy Romain, Ginelle Theresa Louis, Darnell Phillip Louis, Emmie Desire, Randall Desire, Joshua Joseph, Jonathan Monroe Mathieu, Juldany Cesar, Belynda Julie Cesar.

Her Great Grandchildren—Jehnersie Luce Romain, Nathan Thomas-Romain, Anna-Lilia Thomas-Romain, Emmery Isidore, Ethyn Sylvestre, Berthonn Panier, Ferdy Panier, Loan Sky Desire Veillard, Sassou Cyprien, Gallardo Lauraque, Makenley Mael Lauraque, Vivienne Kovach, Marcel Kovach, Nora Texeria, Adwenson Romain, Elias Kree Romain, Ange Darla Vyles, Darilsen Ricoeur Vyles, Annadelle Agbonjiazoe, Josiah Romain, Amyrah Romain, Nylah Romain, Jayden Romain, Grarbens Romain, Alora Miranda Romain.

Her nieces and nephews—Marie Fernande Syverain, Jean Etienne Thibaud, Jean Wilfrid Thibaud, Milliadaire Jr. Syverain, Dufresne Syverain, Jocelyne Constatin Balthazar, Maude Constantin Bouquet, Marie Carmelle Syverain, Alberte Syverain, Desparbes Syverain, Paulverel Syverain, Bernadette Syverain, Joe Syverain, Vital Syverain, Cheristain Syverain, Fevrina Syverain, Rodrigue Syverain, Nella Syverain, Aliece Syverain.

In-Laws—Jules Cesar, Acelhomme Charles, Daniel Louis, Denise Marcelin Romain, Jean Marc Mathieu, Dumenais Desire, Augusta Romain Nicolas, Marie Carmelle David.

Viewing will be held at Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1545 Tremont Street, Boston on Saturday June 13th from 9:15AM-10:15AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15AM. Interment at Saint Michael Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited