Obituary of Andrée Fernande Beauregard

Andrée Fernande Reine Marie BEAUREGARD

May 6, 1935 – February 11, 2022

BEAUREGARD, Andrée – Like a little bird taking flight, Andrée passed away peacefully at her home in Sarnia, surrounded by her family, on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of the late Henri-Jacques Beauregard, dear mother of Colombe Beauregard (Robert), Michel Beauregard (Maureen), Céline Beauregard-McBurney (Michael), Chantal Beauregard-Favreau (Noël), the late Marcelle Sheane, Shirley Crowe (Brian), Kattie Beauregard-Haineault (Richard) and Jacques Beauregard Jr. (Carie). Loving grand-maman of Sonia, Gary, John, Kim, Sarah, Ryan, Kathryn, Cody, Brandon, Cindy, Brian, Bruce, Jayson, William, Vanessa, Joshua, Priscilla, Karine, Véronique, Evan and Ethan and great-grandmother of 36.  Mom leaves behind many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who loved their “Matante Andrée” immensely.

One of 16 children born to Yvonne Gagné and Eldège Beauregard, Andrée was born in Saint-Joachim, Québec on May 6, 1935. She met and married the love of her life, Jacques, in 1953 and started what would eventually grow to a family of eight children, who collectively were her entire world. Together they moved to Sarnia in 1966, embarking on many adventures and creating a new life far from the place they had once called home.

Our mom loved, above all, else to be surrounded by her family, and genuinely delighted in talking with the grand and great-grandkids. She was interested in their lives in the most authentic way. She had a personal relationship with every one of them no matter their age, the grandkids as well as the great-grandkids.  She loved to joke with them and would also have fun assigning rapporteur status to a great grand-daughter about her teenage siblings’ love interests and escapades.  Her sense of humour and her sharp wit were timeless, such that even those 75 years her junior would routinely erupt in laughter when in conversation with her. She had an ability to hold the attention of everyone in the room when telling the stories of her youth and her life’s adventures, and the rest of us never grew tired of hearing them.

Over the years, she knit countless pairs of slippers, made quilts to give to her children, baked her biscuits roulés and gâteaux ‘Reine Elizabeth’ - these offerings became her trademark, and she shared them with her family, neighbours and friends. She enjoyed tending her flower gardens and the occasional cherry tomato plant.

Our mom, Andrée, was fiercely independent, fearless and energetic and until 5 years ago, was habitually driving to Québec by herself for family reunions, events and to visit siblings. She flew under the radar as the saying goes, always making it there in record time and boasting about never having been ticketed for speeding. 

Mom LOVED music.  A family gathering was never complete without music, singing and dancing. She possessed a remarkable gift for hearing a song once or twice, and then magically being able to play it on the piano. She was self taught on the piano, and her ability to play was like a sixth sense. Music moved her and she would sometimes cry tears of joy when hearing her grandkids play an instrument or sing.

Mom was always excited to go to Québec to visit family in the summertime, and when nearing their houses upon arrival, she would pull her signature move: she’d fully lower the car windows and crank the tunes for all to hear the music blaring from her car!  They would say, “Tiens, Andrée arrive!” Her favourite song to blast as she was rolling in was Bob Seger’s “C’est la vie” (say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell!).

She was never too old to show up at family parties, weddings or celebrations in 4 inch heels and would outlast even the 20 year olds on the dance floor.  She was a class act, always epitomizing grace, style and etiquette. Her fashion sense was as timeless as it was impeccable, and she always radiated love and joy.

Mom was wickedly funny and she loved laughing as much as she made the rest of us laugh. 

She was a kind lady, thoughtful, friendly and generous and she touched our lives deeply.  She began every morning by praying for each and every family member, for friends, for the sick, for doctors to have the wisdom to heal, for honesty and integrity in leaders and for peace on earth. A tiny lady with a big heart, she will be missed immensely and profoundly by all of us, and by all whose lives she has touched. The family would like to thank her wonderful neighbours Scott Sim and Barry for their kindness and generosity.

At Andrée’s request, cremation has taken place and visitation will be held Saturday, February 19 from 3 - 5 p.m.  To attend the visitation sign up is required at https://signup.com/go/VmftPam or call the funeral home at 519-344-3131 between 9 & 5.

Interment will be in Valcourt, Québec. Please note, masks/face coverings are mandatory.  Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com