Loss is never easy no matter how prepared or unprepared you are for it. Today we lost my grandfather, Alfred J Groleau. He lived a long life and we were blessed to have him in our lives for as long as we have. He passed away at the age of 103! Not only that but up until his stroke a couple of weeks ago, he was living his life with minimal assistance.
I always joked telling people his memory was better than mine. It really wasn’t a joke though because it was true! He had a sarcastic sense of humor, so I know where I get it from. He was truly a great man. He joked with us up until he couldn’t joke any longer.
The last chuckle I got out of him was his first night in hospice. He kept “saying “I gotta go!” “I gotta go!”, I asked him “Grampa, where are going? We just got here.” He replied with a chuckle “I don’t know.” I then realized what he may have been meaning and I told him “It’s okay if you have to go, we understand.”
Since we are still in the midst of COVID, there were restrictions to visitation and every place had their own set of rules. The hospital and the rehabilitation facility only allowed for one person to visit for his entire admission. I was lucky enough to be that person. We started holding daily Zoom meetings with myself, my mother, my uncle and my aunt because they could not be there. It was different but allowed visitation virtually. We had Zoom meetings eventually inviting all of the family to join in as well.
Life will not be the same without him in it. The only comfort we can have right now is that he is joining my grandmother, Aldona after being apart for twenty-seven years. He will also be joining all other family and friends that have passed before him. Welcome to your eternal heavenly home Grampa! We love and will miss you forever.
Alfred J Groleau
August 1, 1917 – November 1, 2020
Alfred J Groleau, also known to many as “Sonny” and “Al”, 103, of Tewksbury MA and a former lifelong resident of Andover MA, passed away after complications resulting from a stroke. Up until now, he remained independent and amazed us all. Although our hearts are heavy with his passing, we are comforted knowing he has now joined his beloved wife, Aldona and all other family and friends that have passed before him in heaven!
He was previously employed at Hardy Brush Factory in Shawsheen and subsequently at Western Electric in North Andover, later to be known as Lucent Technologies.
He loved being with his family and friends and he also enjoyed fishing and playing word games and chess.
Alfred was predeceased by his wife Aldona and his parents Alfred and Susan Groleau as well as his siblings Raymond, Adrian, Alphonse, Edward and Evelyn. He is survived by his three children; Jean Brouder and her husband George, Judy Pumfrey and her husband Larry, James Groleau and his wife Maya. He is survived by his siblings; William Groleau, Eugene Groleau and Rita Carrier. He also leaves 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express thanks for the care he received at High Point House of Merrimack Valley Hospice in Haverhill MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to Merrimack Valley Hospice is appreciated.
Due to the current unfortunate circumstances, there will be no calling hours. The family will be invited to a private graveside service; flowers will be ordered for the casket from the entire family. Once things return to normal in the world, a memorial mass and celebration of life will be scheduled.
