Step-Dad's Funeral Service

September 2014

Our "Step-Dad" Gerry died the 16th of September, 2014. It was fairly sudden; he had lived a long and healthy life. Gerry and Anne had planned on having a 90th and 50th birthday cake next Spring. Although that won't happen, we do have 28 years of memories with him.

Link: to Obituary

We made a slide-show of photographs that was played before and after the service. A video of the slide show is available here; please note that the quality of this is not particularly good.

Before the service, here is a picture that Corinne took at Sebago of Frank and Diane.

Frank and Diane standing together by the rocky shore at Sebago before the service

At Campus Cuisine (the dining establishment in Maison Marcotte) prior to the service: Keagan, Corinne, Nicki, Jeremy, Anne, Paul, Ted, Craig, Sue (Mom)

Family members gathered around a table at Campus Cuisine before the service

Most of the family was able to make it to the service. Below are some of the flowers, so that those not there or too overwhelmed at the time can appreciate them. Here are the flower arrangements, starting with the overall scene at the South Lewiston Baptist Church. Then I will show the flowers close-up from left to right (including some pictures from the next day).

Overall scene at South Lewiston Baptist Church with Gerry's photograph, urn, and flower arrangements at the front

The Monet painting, "Garden at Sainte-Adresse", was in Gerry's apartment. He told us this summer "This painting has everything!"

Monet print on an easel beside two flower arrangements at the church

Large sunflower arrangement on the church steps with a tag reading Step Dad

Flower arrangement with sunflowers and a tag reading Grandpa Gerry

Sunflower arrangement with a Grandpa Gerry tag displayed in the apartment beside a lamp and chair

Close view of a sympathy card from Jennifer attached to one of the flower arrangements

Tall vase arrangement of hydrangeas and red flowers beside Gerry's framed photograph

Another view of the decorative vase arrangement in Gerry's apartment with flowers and keepsakes around it

This wreath had the urn displayed in the middle.

Red, white, and blue wreath with a tag reading Pop/Dad

Urn, Gerry's framed photo, folded flag, and flower arrangements displayed at the front of the church

Single red rose arrangement with a tag reading To My Beloved

Red rose and white lily arrangements beside Gerry's urn and folded flag in Mom's apartment

Close view of a sympathy card from Regis and Donna Laurendeau attached to a flower arrangement

Bouquet of pale pink alstroemeria in a glass vase at the church

Pale pink alstroemeria arrangement displayed in the apartment after the service

Close view of a sympathy card from Frank, Diane, Liz, Rich, and Amy

Large red, white, and yellow flower arrangement with gladiolus and roses at the church

In the Maison Marcotte chapel, along with the urn wreath; Mom said people commented the flowers inspired them to prayer.

Maison Marcotte chapel with flower arrangements at the front beneath the crucifix

Close view of a card reading Dear Gerry, I have been waiting all summer to water the snapdragons with you in heaven. Love, Beau-Beau

Tall arrangement in a decorative vase with yellow snapdragons, purple asters, and white hydrangeas

Decorative vase arrangement displayed beside a Monet print and Gerry's framed photograph in the apartment

Flower arrangement displayed in the Maison Marcotte chapel beside the urn wreath

Small red cardinal ornament tucked into one of the flower arrangements

Small gray bird ornament tucked into white hydrangeas in one of the flower arrangements

Small brown bird ornament attached to stems in a flower arrangement

Small yellow bird ornament perched beside bright yellow snapdragon flowers

At the end of the ceremony was military honors. The flag was given to Sue. Corinne took a stealth picture afterwards.

Sue seated in the front row holding the folded American flag after the military honors

Richard and Dan, Gerry's sons, prior to the service.

Richard and Dan, Gerry's sons, standing together before the service

And with their wives, Corliss and Cecile:

Richard and Dan standing with their wives, Corliss and Cecile, before the service

We were happy to meet them, finally. They are very sweet people.

A Laurendeau family shot after the reception.

Large Laurendeau family group gathered around a table after the reception

We were told that the coffee at the reception was particularly good, destroying any stereotype on 'church basement coffee'.

We will leave you with the display Mom has in her apartment.

Display in Mom's apartment with Gerry's urn, folded flag, rose arrangement, lily arrangement, hat, and memorial items

Good-bye, Step-Dad.

Updated April 2026