I was blessed with 20 great years with such a beautiful person in my life. Of course I wanted more time, but that was not an option. My Mémère passed away on December 15, 2016 after years of fighting whatever illness tried to take her down. Her strength helped her refuse to give up. Her body was tired now, and that is okay. I will hold our memories deep in my heart. Since I was lucky enough to have her in my life for 20 years, I would like to share 20 things about her that I loved so dearly and made her so special to me.

1. She had the best smile and laugh that was contagious for anyone, from the youngest of souls to the oldest one in the room. It made you not only want to, but need to join in on a conversation or smile at something she has said.
2. She made me love the beach. Rye Beach in Rye, NH in particular. It holds a lot of my childhood summer memories. She rented a tiny cottage that did not really fit much, but it was perfect for her. I will forever find peace and serenity within the crashing of the waves and the sun shining on me. However, I am a little bitter that I did not inherit her gene to tan so well!
3. She loved mashed potatoes. I enjoy that so much because I do too, I even buy the small packages in the store so I can make some in my dorm room for a snack. They are so delicious, and when she adds gravy… game changer!
4. She always had a life lesson to share. Up until she died, she could tell you something that would grab at your heart in a certain way that you will hold onto forever. Even as an adult, I would look at her like an excited child with wide eyes and wonder as she shared her lessons.
5. Mémère never gave up on anyone. No matter who you were. She may have been disappointed in a person’s actions, but she made it a point to still pray for them or do what she could for them. She always used to tell me to “take people as they are”. That is one of the biggest lessons she has ever taught me.
6. This woman was a fighter. Do not take that lightly, either. For approximately 14 years she has fought cancer a couple times, battled congestive heart failure, and lost a lot of her hearing and vision. She had so many health burdens, but it never stopped her from smiling. She also never second guessed why God put these events in her life. They definitely frustrated her at times, but it only made her stronger.
7. Honestly, Mémère was one of the most badass people I had ever met. She did what she wanted and she was confident about it. Like when she would call Comcast after they charged her too much, you bet that company changed her bill for her! It was funny, and I am glad to say she is the OG Badass Beaudry… I am Badass Beaudry II.
8. She made me love Christmas. When I was a child, my family and a lot of my extended family would spend Christmas Eve at her house. It was so magical. There were presents, great food, and most importantly a lot of family to spend time with.
9. She is the reason my entire family loves French pork stuffing at Thanksgiving time. It is a tradition we all basically refuse to let go. That stuff is so good!! Especially with gravy…
10. Mémère had us all laughing up until the last hours of her life. I do not know anyone else that can keep a group laughing so consistently. I loved her jokes though, and I will miss her humor so much.
11. Mémère impacted so many lives so deeply, I hope that I will be like that someday. I will never be as charming and powerful as her, but I am her relative so I got to have some of that in me deep down!
12. She had 8 kids. Like, damn. She raised them all so well too, and they are successful and kind individuals. I am especially thankful for all that she did for my father, her son. She loved him so much, and she raised him to be such an amazing man. Thank you Mémère for my dad! He will remind me of you every day.
13. “Get good marks!” Mémère would always tell me that. I loved telling her about school because I know it made her proud. The hardest thing in the world was having to take finals as she was passing away. However, she helped me get a great grade on my medical terminology final, and it put a big smile on my face. I hope it put one on hers as well.
14. Not only did Mémère have the strongest heart in the world, but she also had the biggest heart. She cared so much for her family, friends, and faith. She loved life and looked at everyday as a blessing.
15. She reminded us about how important family is. Life gets busy and sometimes you do not take the time to be with your family… well, you should. Family is so important and it is horrible to lose them. Someday, they won’t be there to hug anymore. You have to take what you can, when you can.
16. She always encouraged us to have fun. Life can’t be entirely serious. She had loads of fun throughout her life and it made her experiences so full. It makes life worth living even when times get hard.
17. So, she loved gravy a lot. She literally drowned her food in that stuff. At first I thought it was because she couldn’t see well, but the truth is it just tasted so good. That’s how life should be, full of gravy and good food!
18. She knew how to make everyone feel loved. She treated everyone as an individual and when she talked to you, you felt on top of the world. I cannot thank her enough for that. I just hope she felt so loved as well.
19. Mémère never wanted to stop exploring. I believe her favorite discoveries in the world were the Holy Land, Rye Beach, and probably Sam’s Club.
20. Mémère had faith like no one I had ever met before. Even though I am not as religious as her, she is one of the biggest reasons Jesus is always in my mind and heart. Even through tough times like mourning her loss, she would want me to remember that God is good. Not only do I remember it in times like now, but I truly believe it because of her.

I could go on forever about this amazing woman. I am so grateful to have known her and been so close to her. I love you, Mémère.