Andre Rosaire "Andy" Michaud

AUBURN- Andre "Andy" Rosaire Michaud, 75, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Andwell Hospice House after a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis for 25 years with his family by his side.

Andy was born on December 17, 1950. He was the youngest of 10 children of Elzebert and Maria (Lessard) Michaud from Lewiston, ME. As the "baby" of a large French-Canadian Catholic family he grew up knowing that he was loved by so many. This devotion at a young age to family and faith carried him throughout his life and made him one of the most beloved uncles and godfathers.

Andy proudly graduated (Class '69) from St. Dominic High School (Blake Street), Lewiston, Maine as a passionate hockey player, tennis player and student. He went on to study business at St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT, (Class '73). At St. Mike's his love for the sport of tennis blossomed despite the college not having a tennis team. With the administration's approval and Andy's spearheading, a collegiate tennis team was started, and still flourishes today.

Upon graduating from college, he began his insurance career, spanning over 30 years at Prudential Insurance, Downeast Financial Group and ending as a commercial sales agent at Champoux Insurance in Lewiston, Maine. Andy received multiple achievement awards for his customer service, attention to detail and in his desire to help and serve others.

In 1986 he married the love of his life, Deborah (Debbie) Grueling and gained a bonus daughter, Heidi. They were welcomed into the large Michaud family celebrating every holiday and special event with us. Because of Andy's unique birth order, he was the "little brother" to older siblings Rita and Carmen and a peer with cousins. He was a boisterous teenager who loved to tease, play and wrestle with friends. He was a loveable soul and his smile could melt your heart, even when being mischievous.

One of his greatest joys was fishing and he loved to share his passion with anyone who showed just an inkling of interest. For his fellow avid fishing buddies (a.k.a nieces and nephews) he would create adventures with lasting memories. His favorite trips included catching cod, flounder, halibut, stripers and blues. One of his "epic catch" stories was when he trailered a 16' aluminum boat to Casco Bay with his nephew and caught enough cod and flounder to produce 115 lbs of fillets or roughly 350 lbs of whole fish. Andy carefully packaged and weighed those fillets and declared that to be his penultimate trip. He often caught enough fish to share with Memere and her neighbors.

His other passion was all things tennis. He loved to play, watch, support and be out on the courts. He enjoyed this sport with his adult nephews where they played together in a USTA team league. The first time he showed up to play he arrived in the same 1970's attire and racquet he sported during his college years. He hadn't lost a step through showing what skill and quick hands at the net really meant. He was the consummate teacher, teammate and opponent on and off the court. He was classy, competitive, kind, fun, gracious, with his huge personality and smile.

With this active lifestyle it was a shock when in his early 50's he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He and Debbie took this diagnosis in stride and recommitted their love for one another that they were "in this together" and a team forever. Debbie lovingly and painstakingly cared for Andy for over 40 years with grace and devotion.

Despite this medical diagnosis Andy's devotion was unwavering in serving his family, church, and community, sharing his accounting talents with the senior plus center, community service groups, and the MS Support Foundation. He was a lifelong member of the St. Dominic High School Class '69 reunion committee. If there was a fundraiser dance anywhere in Lewiston-Auburn, you'd be sure to see him on the dance floor from start to finish. He loved to dance.

Andy's commitment to family was steadfast. He and Debbie would attend all family events usually bringing a delectable treat, homemade bread or a handmade gift. He never missed events in support of 4 generations of family members. He was devoted, committed, and one of the most positive humans you ever met.

Andy is survived by his wife, Debbie, daughter, Heidi Labrie, husband Roland Labrie and grandsons Colby and Dylan of Florida. His siblings: Rita (Bob) Parent, Tony Michaud, Laurette (Ray) Sutton, Yvette Michaud, Terry (Bruce) Parker, Anita (Carl) Delekto. As well as 4 generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Leo and Norman, sister Carmen and in-laws Zenon Belair, Jackie Michaud, and Bob Parent.

The family would like to personally thank the medical staff at Maine Medical Center of Portland for their professionalism and kindness and Andwell Hospice House of Auburn for their compassion, love and dignity shown to Andy and his family.

In honor of Andy's life, may you have "tight lines", a "good serve" and so much love for your family that goodness permeates all that you do.

Debbie, would like all who knew Andy to attend his celebration of life (wearing Andy's favorite color blue) on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn. Refreshments to follow. Please join us in this tribute to share memories of this amazing man.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared here on Andy's memorial page. Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, ME (207)782-7201.