Laurent Morneau

Saco

Laurent Morneau, 97, of Saco, passed away early Monday morning on December 4, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

He was born in Canada on January 12, 1926, a son of Elise and Berthe (LeBlanc) Morneau.

Laurent was educated in Canada and then went to work as a lumberjack for many years. He married the love of his life, Germaine Pelletier, on July 23, 1956.  Theirs was a true love story, from its early beginnings in Quebec, through all of life's joys and sufferings, and even through death and beyond.

In 1964, the family moved to the United States.  Laurent, who was from the generation of hard work, was known by many for his dedication, determination, perseverance and conscientiousness. He was employed with Westland Shoe, the Saco Tannery, and as a lumberjack for Saunders Brothers for 10 years. During retirement, and not one to slow down, Laurent took care of the maintenance for Bayview Convent, St. Andre's Convent, Marie Joseph Convent in Biddeford Pool and Notre Dame de Lourdes School.

When Laurent wasn't working he enjoyed doing a very large vegetable garden every year.  He made braided rugs and bird houses, and found joy and relaxation simply working around his own home.  He was very generous with his time and was always willing to help others.

Laurent enjoyed visiting family and friends in Canada throughout the years. His family was his life, and he cherished the memories that were made. When time permitted, one of his favorite pastimes was taking his family to the beach.  He will be sadly missed by many.

Laurent was predeceased by his grandson Nicholas Lumb; and by eight siblings, Diane, Lucienne, Roger, Conrad, Beatrice, Solange, Edouard, and Edgar.

He is survived by his wife Germaine Morneau of 67 years; five children, Martial Morneau, Guilda Smith and husband Doug, Carole Lumb and husband William, Marco Morneau and wife Carrie, and Brigitte Pendleton and husband David. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marie, Jacynthe, Justine, Pierre, Dean, Nathalie, Travis, Jennifer, Julia, Luke, Shana and Valerie; by 13 great grandchildren; and by siblings Garcia, Elaine, Maurice, Germain, Charles, Donat, and Rodrigue; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 7, at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford, with burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.