by Laurel | January 21st, 2007
[While we have an awareness of the fast pace of life today compared to, say, the 1920s — this obituary is a reminder, especially regarding travel. From the Holyoke Transcript, 11 September 1925.]
Lebreque Dies After Last Wish Granted
Five Children Arriving From Canada
Recognized by Father
Holyoke, September 10.—Alfred Lebreque, 72, died today at his home 771 Chicopee Street, after his dying wish had been granted. to see his 11 children before he died. Five lived in Canada, four of them at Montreal, and the day before yesterday they were wired of their father’s condition. The Canadian contingent hired an automobile, but yesterday it broke down in a remote Vermont hamlet, and it took all day to repair it. They arrived in time for their father to recognize and speak to them. He died a few minutes after they arrived. The sons are Velairs, Joseph, Leon and Charles of Montreal; Adjutor of Willimansett and Wilfred, at home; the daughters, Mrs. Donat Gauthier of Willimansett; Mrs. Arthur Mason of Oklahoma, Canada; Mrs. Ovila Riopel of Holyoke; Mrs. Romaline Ducharme and Mrs. Wilfred Pare of Willimansett. He also leaves five brothers, Ashael, Hermengilde and Joseph of Montreal; Thomas of Somersville, Ct., and Adelard of Worcester; and one sister Mrs. Ferdinand R. Turgeon of Canada. The funeral will be held at the home Saturday morning at 3:30 followed by a solemn high requiem mass at the Nativity Church. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.
