Michel Joseph Bérubé

Michel Joseph Bérubé Died peacefully February 11, 2006, surrounded by his family. His battle with congestive heart failure was long and he impressed everyone with his quiet strength and determination. Beloved husband of Cecile Marie Bérubé, for 58 years. He was the cherished father of Francois (predeceased), Michael Bérubé (Katrina) of Portola Valley, and Lise Wabiszewski (Edmund) of Marco Island, FL; adored grandpa of Benjamin, Maxwell, and Madeline Bérubé, Karine Sewart (Steve), Edmund Wabiszewski (Bradley), William, Elise, and Joseph Wabiszewski. Michel leaves many devoted friends in San Mateo, particularly in St. Gregory's Parish, and especially his neighbors on 37th Ave. who recall Michel as a devoted family man. A native of Mont Joli, province of Quebec, Canada, the second youngest of 10 children and last surviving, Michel was born September 29, 1915 to Alfred and Eugenie Berube. At the age of four, Michel's father died of pleurisy. At the age of 12, Michel was orphaned after a car accident killed his mother. Michel went to Sacrithfic College in Ottowa, Canada and he studied philosophy, Greek, and Latin in preparation to become a Caputian (Franciscan priest). He taught Latin for a time after graduating college. Around 1944, Michel decided to leave the seminary and join the Royal Canadian Air Force, which sent him to Newfoundland for two years. Through her brother Albert, he met his future wife Cecile and her wonderful parents, Dr. and Mrs. Henri Touchett. He followed Cecile to San Francisco where she was working and they later married in 1947 at Notre Dame de Victoires Catholic Church. Michel worked for Pacific Bell and retired as a pioneer after spending 35 years with the company in San Francisco. He and Cecile have resided in San Mateo since 1950 and are devout Catholics at St. Gregory's Church. He served on St. Gregory's Church Council for seven years, loved being an usher for too many years and was very much involved with the Gregorian Club, S.I.R.S., and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. The family wishes to thank wonderful Gladys and Janice who took care of "Daddy-Michel" during his last few years, and the nurses and physicians at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Redwood City. They particularly appreciate Rev. Monsignor McElroy and the priests of St. Gregory's Parish for their many visits and expressions of love and support. Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 18th, 2006 at 11:00 AM at St. Gregory's Church at 28th Avenue and Hacienda, San Mateo; reception to follow. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, contributions and gifts may be made to St. Gregory's School, in care of St. Gregory's Church or to your favorite charity.