Obituary of Maurice Andries

Maurice Edward Andries of Lafleche, SK passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018, Gravelbourg, SK, at the age of 94 years. Maurice was born July 11, 1923, in the Benson district to Peter and Mary (nee Mackelburgh) Andries. At the early age of fifteen, he happily quit school to be of some assistance to his dad and brothers. Maurice worked for a short time for Mrs. Marie Packet on the farm and later worked on road construction for the R.M. of Benson, spending the winter months at Burns in Regina. In the fall of 1947, he purchased the Israel Berube land in the Lafleche area; working the land with Julien DeWulf and using his machinery until he got established. Maurice married the love of his life, Madeleine Packet on October 7, 1948. They spent the first few years in Lafleche, where Maurice farmed at night and operated a cat and scraper in the building of Thomson Lake Dam during the day. He also worked for the RM of Wood River. Maurice was a director of the Lafleche Credit Union from 1973 to 1983 as well as trustee for the Parish of Ste Radegonde for a number of years. Maurice and Madeleine were blessed with five children: Ronald, born June 18, 1950, Jerry, born March 14, 1953, Brian, born July 20, 1955, Carol, born April 19, 1958, and Elaine, born October 29, 1959. Maurice enjoyed being on the farm, located one mile from Thomson Lake Regional Park, especially when his children and grandchildren would come visit for holidays. Maurice treasured the time he spent with his family, and will be dearly missed. Maurice's family: wife Madeleine (nee Packet) (2004); son Ron Andries (1988); son Jerry (Colleen) Andries; son Brian Andries (Shellan); daughter Carol (Greg) Ottmann; daughter Elaine (Joe) Noonan; ten grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and three step grandchildren. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at Ste Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK, with Father Carlos Jimenez celebrant. Music for the Mass was shared by Maurice's great nephew, Dustin Hall. The eulogy was shared by Todd Andries. Readers were Patricia Roy and Denitta Hoffman. Prayers of the faithful were read by Trinity Andries. Offertory gifts were presented by Maurice's Great Grandchildren. Musical tribute "They Don’t Make Em Like That Anymore” by Elaine Noonan and Patricia Roy. Pallbearers were Joey Andries, Mandy Wilson, Sheldon Ottmann, Jacie Neill, Cole Noonan, Paul Noonan, Harmony Noonan. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Maurice to the Ste Radegonde Cemetery Fund, Box 518, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, and Masses were greatly appreciated.