Obituary for Astrid St. Gerard Joseph: Celebrating a Remarkable Life

The great French poet Alphonse de Lamartine, in his poem Le Lac (The Lake), wrote: "Men have no port, time has no shore, it flows, and we pass."

On October 22, 1971, Astrid St. Gerard Joseph "sailed" into the lives of Drs. Marie José and Serge St. Gerard. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she was their second child and grew up with her older brother, Pascal. The family later migrated to Cambria Heights, Queens, New York, where Astrid began kindergarten. A few years later, their family grew to include Joanne. Astrid went on to graduate from Christ the King High School.

In 1990, she attended Northeastern University, where she earned a B.S. degree in Communication. As a student, Astrid was very involved on campus. She served as the historian for the Northeastern Black Students Association (NBSA) for four years and was an active member of several committees supporting the John D. O'Bryant African American Institute. She engaged in numerous community service initiatives both on and off campus. One of her proudest projects, during her senior year 1995, was producing Our Moving Memories II, a senior-year video highlighting the aspirations of Black graduates. Astrid's vibrant and sociable nature made her a well-loved figure on campus.

During her sophomore year, she met Yvel Joseph, and a deep friendship blossomed between them. Over time, they realized they were soulmates. On May 30, 1999, they were married and built their life together in the Boston area, where they were blessed with two sons, Thadeus (2002) and Julian (2006).

In May 2019, Astrid earned a Master's degree in Health Communications from Boston University. Her professional journey included roles at WGBH, Avid Technology, and Media 100. During a career transition, she worked as the Office Manager at the Boston Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church (BT). She then found her professional home at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she dedicated 22 years as the Research Administrator for the Institutional Review Board (IRB). She would spend over 10 years as a team member and later as co-chair to the Martin Luther king, Jr. Ceremony honoring the BIDMC's YMCA Achievers.

Astrid's faith was the cornerstone of her life. Raised Catholic, she was later baptized in the Pentecostal church. While attending the Grace Church of All Nations, she taught Sunday school and contributed to the media ministry. She and Yvel later became active members of the Boston Temple SDA Church (BT) where they began their spiritual journey. They devoted themselves to the young adult, diaconate, hospitality and property ministries.  Astrid's faith in God inspired her to treat others with compassion, love, kindness, and respect.

Beyond her professional and spiritual life, Astrid was an avid reader and a dedicated book club member where she enjoyed discussions and expanded her perspectives on many various topics, especially around social and community issues.  She loved sports, especially basketball and football—and had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hiking and biking. She participated in several Boston 5K and 10K races.

Astrid's love for the arts and culture shone through her passion for photography and gardening. She loved to dance, and you could always find her and Yvel dancing the night away at events. Spring was her favorite season, and she adored tulips. A committed community advocate, she volunteered with the NAACP, Women in NAACP (WIN), Randolph DEI, and Good Sport. She was also a member of several professional networks, including The Partnership. She was always striving to uplift others and make a difference in their lives.

Astrid's greatest joy in life was her family and friends. She was deeply loving, kind, and thoughtful, always careful with her words and serving as a voice of reason. Though she seemed to be an introvert, her strength, warmth, and bright personality drew people to her.

On March 4, 2025, an unfortunate incident brought about her untimely passing. Yet, her influence and zest for life will sail on. Her legacy is a testament to a life well-lived, filled with love, service, and unwavering faith. She was a shining star, and she will be greatly missed.

Deepest condolences go to her beloved husband and partner, Yvel Joseph, and their sons, Thadeus and Julian. She is also survived by her brother Pascal (Trina), her sister Joanne (Thair), nephews Roman Lee, Naim and Amari as well as her great extended family and host of many friends.

Rest in peace, sweet Astrid, until we meet again on that beautiful heavenly shore, where we will never part again.

** As part of the celebration of Astrid's life, attendees are encouraged to wear colorful or African attire. **