It is with very heavy hearts that the Fernandez and Merchant families announce the unexpected passing of their beloved sister, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend Louisa O. Merchant (nee Fernandez) on September 13th at the Long Island Jewish Hospital. Louisa was the last of 6 children to bless the holy union of Ambassador William B. Fernandez and Laura A. Emmons-Fernandez on September 1st, 1960, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Louisa passed in New York where she spent most of her life doing an excellent job raising her 3 young men and spreading love to all she encountered. To know her was to know LOVE, to share in LAUGHTER, and to LIVE life to the fullest trusting in HIS Holy name. We will all most definitely miss her moral support, her teasing, and her laughter. “Ouize”, as she was affectionately called by her friends and family here on this Earth, we love you dearly, but God who loves you more has called HIS child home. HE has picked one of HIS most beautiful roses out of the garden. We are comforted in knowing that heaven has gained a guardian angel. Au revoir Cherie!
Louisa was predeceased by her husband Sam Merchant, her father Ambassador Fernandez, her brother Bill, her mother Laura, and her sisters Lorraine and Elaine.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her siblings Yvette Yaidoo (Harrison), Gaby Fernandez (Alison), her children Tracy Chukumah, Courtney, and Kimani Merchant, and her brother-in-law Ambassador Edward L Dunn Jr. Louisa had no daughters of her own but loved her nieces as hers – Rushie (James), Eliane (EJ), Pushie, and Jasmine. Her nephews Liam (Sabra), Shaka (Jrawin), Manjah (Tara), Madi and Taji Fernandez also mourn her loss.
She also leaves to mourn untimely death her sister-friends Omo and Massa David, Ciatta Diggs, Stanita Garber, her friend William “Feweh” Sherman and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Anyone who desires to donate can make a deposit to the following account in the name on Alexander U. Fernandez at US Bank Routing Number 091000022 A/C # 104797860889
Services will be held at St. Mark’s AME Church, 9518 Northern Blvd, Flushing, New York 11372 on October 1st, 2022.
Viewing and Wake Keeping – 8:30 to 9:00 am
Funeral Services – 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Rooms may be reserved at the Home2Suites 620 US Highway 1 & 9 South l Newark, NJ | 07114
in Newark for Merchant Funeral by 9/23/22 using the link below:
Contacts:
Alexander U. Fernandez 763-244-4469
Kimani Merchant 646-818-5779
Eliane Dunn-Johnson240-848-1615
My sympathy to the family. Louisa was a friendly and nice individual that always greeted you with a smile.
Earth has no sorry that heaven cannot heal. I met Sis.Louisa Merchant at Elmcor Senior Center. What a beautiful spirit. I was sadden to hear of her passing. May she rest in heavenly peace. My heartfelt condolences to her sons and family. May the love of God continue to bless and keep you.
Louisa
You was a solid rock for me and supported me when I needed a friend and sister to lean on. I am so glad God allowed us to speak in depth a few days before you got your wings. I will forever cherish the memories in my heart we shared as children in Liberia and young adults in the US. Your smile, spirit, and the joy you brought to many will live on. Take your rest my dear sister you have truly earned a place in the bosom of the most High God. Forever in my heart
Samuel D Brownell Jr “Dodo”
Dear Louisa
Since I met you as a todler in Haiti, and during your years in Liberia, then when I met you in NewYork, i have never seen you without a smile or with a bad feeling. Loved by many, always supportive to all, she has been an example of a human being.
Our Lord has taken back his angel too soon for us, but for his purpose. Let her thank him for her time with us. May she rest in perfect peace
Until we meet again Louisa
Louisa – u were truly a beautiful person while u were here amongst God’s creation. As mentioned above “To know u was to know LOVE” – that’s so true of u. I remembered when I first met Louisa in the US – I attended a prayer session in Qns that she was at. After the session Louisa & I took the train together back home. I was going to Bklyn & she was going to the WTC (Battery Park City). We had such a beautiful ride talking n hvng great laughs on our journey. We met quite a few times at various events, etc. where Louisa was always the Louisa I’ve knew. My last vivid memory of Louisa was when we met at Mother Paris’ funeral. My Sis Wani & I were waiting for my son to drive us home. Louisa drove up to us & asked us whether we wanted a ride home. We told her we were waiting for my Son. She looked at us w/ a smirk on her face n said are u sure? We said yes & had a good laugh w/ her before she left. Louisa was a very good mother to her kids – I ask the Lord to give them & the entire family peace as they go thru this period of bereavement. Louisa – we will miss u on God’s Green Earth but God has other important plans for u in Heaven where u have become a resident & occupant, along w/ my dear Sis Dwela, in one of the many mansions He offers to all that are true of hearts. Rest In Peace God’s loving child, Louisa. May ur path alway be illuminated by God’s Heavenly Light In The Name Of Jesus 🙏❤️🙏
To my dismayed, this sad news of the third female friend in a roll.
May our God have mercy on us.
I pray that the angels in heaven will “watch “ over her three sons.
God has spoken and Lewisa answer to his call.
Much love Evangelist Gloria Abasi Williams
Ay GOD! We can’t question YOU but this one really broke our hearts. Rest in peace and your smile will resonate in our hearts. Gone in peace.
To the family of our beloved Spartan and former President of TriState Chapter of BWHESAA-USA, Inc, Louisa, we are so very sorry for your loss. We all prayed for God’s miracle to restore her back to us, but at last, he had other plans for our beloved. We send our thoughts and prayers to keep you strong during these trying times.
Albertha Kamah Gillespie
National Chair
BWHESA USA, IN
Ouize rest in Jesus Peace. You will be missed.
May your soul Rest in perpetual peace.
Rest in perfect peace, sister/Friend. We will miss your laughter, infectious smile, and wonderful spirit. Your loss is irreparable.
Date of funeral is Saturday, October 1, 2022.
What’s the date ?