Maeying Hilda Groleau

Mae was raised by her loving and devoted parents, John & SioLien Yuen, who were married for 63 years. She grew up in Liberty, New York where she graduated from Liberty High School and attended Oneonta College graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Nutrition Sciences. She later pursued her master’s degree in Education & Leadership Administration. She returned to Liberty High School as Ms. Yuen, the Home Economics teacher. Years later, she moved to Pompano, Florida and began her 30-year Catholic Education Career as a Jr. High School Science teacher at several schools in the Archdiocese. Part of her tenue was at St. Coleman’s Catholic School first as a Jr. High School Science teacher and then as the Principal of the School. After a short sabbatical after the death of her husband Charles, in 2003, she was asked to join Mary Help of Christians as their Jr. High School Science teacher and soon after asked to be the Vice Principal of the School. Each year she orchestrated the graduation program, awards, and celebration. She adored her students, and she was vested in their success which was obvious as many of her students showed an outpouring during her resent illness by visiting, celebrating in a Caravan for her 69th Birthday in May, as well as sending cards, photos, and sweet notes of admiration. She retired in 2016 from MHOC where she was deeply loved and admired by all.

Mae was widowed in 2003 after being happily married to Charles Groleau for 16 years. Mae left behind many wonderful friendships. Too many to mention. She was a travel agent for 25 years as a hobby and once retired she focused on her travel business in the cruise industry specifically. Her company A-Mae-z-ing Travel was a passion as she herself was an avid traveler with her side kick Bianca Moreiras.

Mae was involved with many ministries at MHOC. She was the ministry leader for the Bereavement Group where she developed many lasting friendships. She was on the Emmaus Team and participated actively. Spiritually she was a Eucharistic minister and lector at Mass. She was a past officer and member of the Women’s Club. She was involved with the Angel Tree project, Veteran’s day celebrations, Fashion Show and Memorial Celebrations, to name a few.

Mae was also a member of the Coconut Creek Women’s Club for 5 years where she held several positions, coordinated the craft & garage sale which raised funds for the scholarship fund and many other fundraisers within the group. She met Helena Betso a dear friend who we are grateful for as she relentlessly cared for Mae daily for the last 8 months. We would like to thank the owners and all the caregivers from Interim Health Care, Jackie, Sharon, Marlene, and Ann and a special thanks to Kathy Foster who helped care for Mae the first 4 months in the evening and to her best friend Bianca Moreiras who has been dedicated to loving Mae for 47 years until the very end. The family is grateful and knows this journey could not have been possible without each one of you. Thank you.

Mae is survived by Her Brother & Sister-in-law John & Donna Yuen, Sister Maelien Spina. Jay Spina and her nieces Kendall Spina and Chelsea & Jorma Voeks and her great-nephew Cole James Voeks. Her 3 stepdaughters and their children: Kimberly Kaufman and her 3 children and 6 grandchildren, Denise Groleau and her 3 children and 1 grandchild, and Susan Groleau. Her Godson Manny Moreiras and his brother Michael.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10am at Mary Help of Christians Roman Catholic Church in Parkland, FL. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, FL.

Because Mae loved her students, education and ensuring that all students were educated to their potential, the family would like to request in lieu of flowers for donations to be made to the Coconut Creek Women’s Club and the Mary Help of Christians Women’s Club for each of their scholarship funds in Mae Groleau’s honor.

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Coconut Creek Women’s Club – Paypal account: [email protected] please note Mae Groleau Scholarship Fund

Or mail your donation to: Coconut Creek Women’s Club, 3950 NW 5th Street, Coconut Creek, FL 33066 Make your check payable to the Coconut Creek Women’s Club (note: Mae Groleau Scholarship Fund)

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Mary Help of Christians Women’s Club

Mary Help of Christians Church, Attention: Women’s Organization, 5980 N. University Drive, Parkland, Florida 33067 Make your check payable to Mary Help of Christians Women’s Club (note: Mae Groleau Scholarship Fund).

https://mhocrc.org/memorial