Wana Celiny was born on January 6, 1935 in Cavaillon, a small town in the south of Haiti. She was the third of four children born to Atelamise Menard and Scanella Celiny. At an early age she moved to the capital of Haiti, where she embraced a new life of being a devoted Catholic. She was very active in church with her group La Sainte Famille. Wana was a very welcoming person that loved gospel music and also enjoyed dancing zouk la. In 1996, Wana's eldest daughter immigrated her to New York. Wana followed a few years later, relocating to Florida where she remained until her last days.

Wana follows to heaven her granddaughter, Marie Guerdith. She is survived by her six children, Nicole, Alitane, Eveline, Marie Laurette, Marie Julia, and Mickaelle; nine grandchildren, Josephine and her husband, Clifford and his wife, Handy and his wife, Kensya, Tracey, Fedia, Zaph, Jephte, Oscar De Ravanna; nine great grandchildren, Angie, Elainah, Stevenson, Mirabelle, Nicolas, Neil, Ryan, Anaelle, Jemima; as well as her nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wana always made it known that God is the only source of life. May she rest in peace.