Gertrude Bertha LaBrie

SOUTH PORTLAND - Gertrude Bertha LaBrie, 93, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth after a period of declining health. Gertrude was born July 20, 1920 in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada, daughter of Camille and Celerise (Dupris) Roy. Gertrude married Gene J. LaBrie on July 6, 1946, at St. Marc Church in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada. They moved to Portland to start their family, later moving to South Portland to raise their sons. Earlier in her life she worked at Owen Moore, a women's clothing store and overseeing the fabric department at Wellwood and F. W. Woolworth before retiring to care for her granddaughters in 1981. After retirement, she was an active member of the Women's Council at St. John the Evangelist Church. She was known for organizing the jewelry table at the annual Christmas Fair. Gertrude also served many years as the Vice President of Ridgeland Estates Association. She loved organizing events including an annual fall fair, Beano and dinners with entertainment. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family. Family always came first, whether caring for her children or her grandchildren and great-grandchildren later in life. Being home surrounded by her family gave her the greatest pleasure in life. She was known as Gram, Meme or Big Meme to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They became her passion after losing her husband in 1995. She was predeceased by her husband Origene (Gene) LaBrie in November of 1995, 3 brothers, Marc Aurele, Fred and Paul, a sister Noella and a great-grandson, Adam Strom. She is survived by three sons; Roger Marc and his wife Moinette of Reno, NV, Peter and his wife Linda of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Daniel and his wife Aileen of South Portland; eight grandchildren; Sean and wife Michele, Jason, Michael, Lisa, Shawn, Keith, Angela Strom and husband Jon, and Alicia; and nine great-grandchildren, Jacob and Caitlin LaBrie, Dexter, Hayden, and Trey Woodbrey, Nicholas and Natalie LaBrie, and Lola and Ella Strom. She will also be missed by her dear friend, Helga Rogers of South Portland. We will remember her for her laughter, love and keeping an immaculate home. Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 8:15 am, Friday, at the chapel, followed by a 9:00 am Mass of Christian burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, South Portland. Burial will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.