Obituary for Madeleine Marie Andries (Tommelein)

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Life Story for Madeleine Marie Andries (Tommelein)

Madeleine's Eulogy:

Grandma was not at all fond of eulogies, so this is going to be short and to the point. This write-up, which has been tweaked a bit, was submitted to Creighton Lodge upon grandma’s departure from there, for their resident book.

Madeleine was born on February 7, 1927 to Emile and Leonie Tommelein of Benson. She was the third in their family of four daughters – her older sisters being Mary and Marguerite and then her younger sister, the baby of the family, Cecile. As a side note, all of our cousins have fond memories and lots of stories of family gatherings with the four sisters!

Madeleine received her education at Benson. Following her school years, she helped on her parent’s farm and also found employment in Estevan.
In 1954, she married Albert Andries of Benson. Albert was the son of Peter and Mary Andries.

Albert and Madeleine purchased the home farm of Madeleine’s parents. And so today, their three children - Leona, Larry and Paulette have many cherished memories of being raised by two special people on that farm. Faith and hard work were at the core of family life. Every day ended with the rosary. Madeleine was the active farmer’s wife - milking cows, raising chickens, driving truck, gardening - she loved it all!

In the fall of 1981, Albert and Madeleine retired and moved to Estevan. Madeleine continued her passion for gardening but also expanded her interest to flowers. Everything flourished under her care!

When family would try to persuade her to go with them on a short holiday, her reply was “I can’t - it’s my busy time.” And busy mom always was, whether baking to feed family and friends who would stop by, or tending to the garden, flowers and yard, as well as keeping a tidy house.

Madeleine and Albert also enjoyed coffee row with many former friends and neighbors who had also retired to Estevan.

In January 2005, Albert passed away. Madeleine continued to live in their home until February of 2014, at which time she moved to Creighton Lodge. In July of 2014 she moved to the Estevan Regional Nursing home and then to the St. Joseph’s Special Care Home in March of 2015. She was always so happy to greet and visit with the staff, whose caring ways made her feel at home.

Her faith inspired us and her love nourished us.

If there are six words that could sum up grandma’s life, they would be those that are etched on her and grandpa’s headstone – “Generous of Heart, Constant In Faith”.

We celebrate a life well lived!