Madeleine Croteau Houle passed peacefully at the age of 102 years old on January 31, 2021, of natural causes. She was born on September 27, 1918, in St. Patrice-de-Beaurivage, Quebec to William and Marielouise (Landry) Croteau. Madeleine was one of 26 children. She was preceded in death by her husband Roland O. Houle. Many years were dedicated to his care through his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Sharp and alert to the end, she was an ace at cards and took pleasure in beating others at cribbage. Madeleine was known for her meat pies, crêpes, cretons, and chocolate chip cookies. She loved to knit and crochet for her family, especially pom-poms. She enjoyed playing the piano and having sing-a-longs. She and her sister Adrienne often hopped on stage to entertain with their fiddles. Travels included Israel, Europe, all over the US, and cruises in the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, but her favorite time was spent during her annual visits to le Chalet Croteau in St. Patrice.
She possessed qualities of motherhood that were magnetic. Her Catholic faith was an important source of strength for her and she prayed the rosary daily. She found joy with her volunteer service through the Ladies of Saint Ann, planning festivals and events. Those less fortunate mattered. She supported many charitable causes.
Madeleine is survived by her children Ann (Daniel) Dougherty, Paulette Moss, Lorraine Holander, Walter (Deborah) Houle, and Therese (Andrew) Crosby; Grandchildren Melissa (Scott) Sullivan, Kyle Holander, Jenness (Brian) Stock, Jeremiah Houle, and Nicole (George) Chanthasiriphan; Fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, and loved ones.
In addition to her parents, husband, and 25 siblings, she was also predeceased by her grandchildren Julie Dougherty, Jeremiah Moss, and Brian Holander.
Services will be held privately. Her spirit will live on at le Chalet Croteau.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. Donations can be made at https://dsdn.networkforgood.com/projects/113790-jenness-stock-s-fundraiser or mailed to Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, PO Box 140, Stillwater, MN 55082 (please note Jenness Stock in the memo line).