Marie L. Fortune moved to America from Haiti when she was a young woman with only $79 in her pocket. She didn't have a job, education or sense of responsibility. She had her first daughter from a previous marriage that she left back home in Haiti to provide for, so she had to learn quickly. All she ever wanted was to have a different outcome of life for her children. So, she concentrated on working and her children. This was the best way to focus her efforts.

 

With her determination, she was able to purchase her first home at age 29 years old. She has raised four successful and educated children. She plays an essential role in her ten grandchildren's lives. And, at 54, she built her retirement home in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

 

However, during her 22 years working with mentally disabled patients, she realized how fortunate she was to have healthy children. She noticed how the food was being prepared to these patients and she made it her mission to make a change. She made home cooked meals that were well-presented for these patients to enjoy and feel like they are at home. This is when she discovered her talent and passion for cooking.

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After a long career, she lost one of her jobs. Instead of letting this get her down, she felt God had something new in store for her. She prayed for God to show her her purpose, how to make people happy and make a difference in their lives with her cooking. She realized that God was rewarding her with the ability to help others in a new different way. This was when her cookbook "Marie's Pantry" was born.

 

Marie has now entirely devoted herself to help others here in the United States and abroad in her native country of Haiti. She has started a non-profit food pantry called Marie's Food Pantry of United Nations Church of New York. It is dedicated to one of the most devastating areas of Haiti to feed those most in need. She resides between New York and West Palm Beach, Florida, when she is not traveling doing God's work.