Sylvia Ramona Martinez was born on January 3, 1937, in La Ramona, Dominican Republic, to Valentin Gil and Emilia Martinez. She was the second of seven children, growing up in a close-knit family that shaped her lifelong devotion to community and service.

Sylvia's early years were spent between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where she attended primary school. She frequently crossed the border before eventually settling permanently in the Dominican Republic. These experiences nurtured her resilience, adaptability, and deep appreciation for family and friends.

As a young woman, Sylvia demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, launching several small businesses with varying degrees of success—earning her the affectionate title of "serial entrepreneur." However, her greatest passion was cooking. She prepared meals not only for her family but also for friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. Cooking was her love language and a powerful expression of her generosity.

Her daughter Marquise often witnessed these acts of kindness. On one memorable visit to the Dominican Republic, Marquise observed her mother preparing 22 meals for lunch. Family members, friends, and neighbors arrived to collect their plates, greeting her with "Kòman ou ye?" ("How are you?"), to which Sylvia would warmly reply, "Mwen la, bagay la sou tab la" ("I am well; the food is on the table"). This practice continued day after day, reflecting Sylvia's constant dedication to caring for others. So devoted was she to feeding her community that she occasionally sold her furniture to finance these meals. During later visits, Marquise often replaced the missing pieces. Eventually, selling the furniture became too much of a hassle after Marquise acquired furniture pieces so large that doorways had to be modified to bring them into the house.

Returning to Sylvia's early adulthood, while living in the Dominican Republic, she met Louis DeVastey, who captured her heart, in part, with the romantic lyrics of the song "La Malagueña": "Qué bonitos ojos tienes…"

From the union of Sylvia and Louis were born two daughters, Gertrude and Marquise. Sylvia was also the proud mother of four sons: Elie Martinez, Lieoneldo Martinez, and Moises Pressage, as well as Fedton Louis, her nephew whom she lovingly adopted and raised as her own.

In 2006, Sylvia emigrated to the United States, where she lived for a time with her daughter Marquise Joseph (née DeVastey) and her family. Prior to her arrival, Sylvia had been a devoted member of the Baptist Church, serving faithfully in various capacities. After settling in the United States, she began attending Temple Salem and, in 2007, was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church by Pastor Yrvain Jean-Philippe. She remained a committed member, joyfully serving God and eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus Christ, when she believed all the faithful would be reunited with Him.

Sylvia is survived by the following:

Her daughter Marquise Joseph, son-in-law Ricardo Joseph,

Her beloved grandchildren: Marcelus, Louis-Ezechiel, Abigail, and Benjamin Joseph;

Her great-grandchildren: Tahzai White, Avery Joseph, & Ambrose Joseph.

Her cousin: Hozana St Juste

Her siblings: Yvrose Jerome (née Martinez) and family, Isabel García and family, Rafael Gil and family, Eladio Herrera and family, Leonel Herrera and family, Guadionel Herrera and family, and Arcadio Herrera and family;

Her nieces Widlyne Fortere-Aguy, husband Pr. Frantzcel Aguy and children Hallie and Wid-Hanley Aguy; Suze Vancol Laforest; Roseline Rene; Kerbie Joseph; Chedly Fortere; Chedline Fortere; Widmaier Rene and their families

Nietos (Grandchildren)

Lenin Gil

Amalia Gil

Yoselin Gil

Ramon Herrera

Maria Altagracia Herrera.

Niki Leonor Herrera

Leo Arcadio Herrera

Luis Manuel Herrera

Leo Moisés Herrera

Arturo Herrera

Dariel Herrera

Emilio Herrera

Evelyn Herrera

Arie Herrera

Anyi Herrera

Juakin Pressage Moïse

Coraïna Pressage

Léonel Martinez

Gertrude Martinez

Kéchnide Richardson

Bisnietos (great-grandchildren)

lanna Herrera

Moisés Herrera

Leonel Herrera

Robbin Herrera

Lenny Herrera

Ayendi Herrera

Margaret Herrera

Josué Herrera

Lia Isabel Herrera

Liam Dariel Herrera

Leo jadiel Herrera

Luis Javier Herrera

Lewin yadiel Herrera

Alanny Isabel Herrera

Guarionex Herrera.

Rikelvin Herrera

Melvin Herrera

Evelyn Herrera

Ariel Herrera

Daury Herrera

Eladio Herrera

Y demas familiares…

Sylvia's daughter Gertrude DeVastey and her siblings Rosemene Vancol, Adela Martinez, and Tatu Martinez preceded Sylvia in death.

Sylvia had a profound love for people and was known as a "blagueuse"—an extraordinary jokester whose humor and warmth brought joy to everyone around her. She cherished life, adored her children, and held her family and friends dear. Her generosity, resilience, and unwavering faith leave an enduring legacy.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Sylvia peacefully passed away following a long illness, which she endured with remarkable courage and dignity. Her passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Rest in peace, Sylvia, until the glorious return of our Savior Jesus Christ, when we shall be reunited to live with Him eternally.

Funeral service in Temple Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church, 222 Woodrow Ave. Boston on Sunday April 19, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visiting hour in the church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment private.

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