Audrey Bourassa

Audrey Ione (Morse) Bourassa, 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, November 07, 2008, at the Pioneer Senior Cottages in Fergus Falls. She was born April 7, 1928, in Alexandria, Minnesota, the daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor Edna (Anderson) Morse. Audrey was baptized and confirmed in Emanuel Episcopal Church of Alexandria. She graduated in 1947 from Alexandria High School. On October 2, 1948, she was united in marriage to Warren Richard Bourassa, son of John and Virgie Bourassa of Bemidji, MN. Warren died July 10, 2008. Audrey began working in the State Hospital kitchen about 1968. She later found her life’s calling when she began working with handicapped children, from very young to adult. After retiring on January 1, 1990, Audrey and Warren enjoyed traveling to Alamo, TX to spend the winter months, returning to Fergus Falls in the spring. Audrey was a volunteer with the Columbia Rio Grande Regional Hospital Auxiliary while in Texas. Audrey was active in the Fergus Falls St. James Episcopal Church teaching Sunday School to the young children, preparing Church Epistles, and working with the Altar Guild. She also served as president of the Elks Ladies group and as president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Audrey enjoyed marching with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Drill Team in parades throughout the area each summer. Her main joy, however, was her family. Audrey is survived by four children: Susan Carol Hanson (Lon) of Ottertail City, MN; Debra Kay Barker (Michael) of Springfield, OR; Richard Alan Bourassa of Dilworth, MN; and Judy Lynn DeWald (Brad) of Pelican Rapids, MN; ten grandchildren: Jennifer JoAnn Martinson-DeJaegher (Dan) of Bemidji, MN; Jamie Marie Adams (Travis) of Fergus Falls, MN; Kevin Lon Hanson of Big Lake, MN; Stephanie Marie Wilcox of Springfield, OR; Stacy Renee Bourassa, Amy Lynn Bourassa, and Matthew David Bourassa of Moorhead, MN; Heather Ann Wahl and Melanie Sarah Wahl of Fargo, ND; and Samantha Rose DeWald of Pelican Rapids, MN; and six great-grandchildren: Tate Michael Martinson and Kiah JoAnn Martinson of Bemidji, MN; Alexis Sarah Bourassa of Moorhead, MN; Brenden Lon Adams and Alyssa Marie Adams of Fergus Falls, MN; and Justine Ryanne Rentz of Moorhead, MN.  She is also survived by one brother and two sisters: Donald Roy Morse (June) of St. Augustine, FL; Virginia Lou Pomerenke of Yakima, WA; and Darlene LaVonne Koppin of Newton, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Service:  2 p.m. Monday at St. James Episcopal Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:   Father George Schulenberg Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Funeral Home:  Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls The family prefers donations to Lakeland Hospice of Fergus Falls in Audrey’s name. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com