Fleurette Jeanette French

Fleurette J. French (Lavallee), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Virginia. Born on March 6, 1949, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Fleurette was the cherished daughter of Rita and Lionel Lavallee.

Fleurette spent her childhood years in South Florida, where she graduated from South Broward High School in Hollywood. She was a proud and talented majorette, competing in and winning statewide baton-twirling competitions, a shining example of her determination and grace even at a young age.

She married the love of her life, Thomas French, and together they built a beautiful family, raising three children, Celeste, Yvette, and Beau French. Throughout her life, Fleurette held many roles that showcased her intelligence, compassion, and commitment to service. She began her professional journey as a travel agent and housing manager before finding her true calling working for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Deeply patriotic and civic-minded, Fleurette served as President of the Auxiliary of VFW Post 3911 in Key West, Florida, where she championed the causes of veterans and their families. In retirement, she continued her lifelong pattern of service by volunteering at local hospitals in Manassas, Virginia, where she made a lasting impact on the community she called home.

Fleurette is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Celeste and Bryan Goltz, Yvette and Sam Greer, and Beau and Amy French. She was a proud grandmother to Hallie and Kenneth (married to Hanna) Goltz, Allison and William French, and Samuel and Joseph Greer. She was overjoyed to welcome her great-granddaughter, Clementine Goltz, who brought her endless joy and light in her final years

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Lionel; her brother Gerald Lavallee; and her sister Lucille St. Cyr. She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Raymond Lavallee, and by countless family and friends whose lives she touched.

Fleurette was the heart and joy of her family. She instilled in her children a deep love for family, faith, and country. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to face life’s challenges with courage and grace. Her enduring message, spoken in her final days as her three children stood by her bedside, arm in arm, was simple and profound: “Take care of each other.”

Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith. May she be welcomed into the Kingdom of God and continue to watch over her family as their guardian angel.

Services will be held in Davie, Florida, on November 28th, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.