Lenore Ann Maitre

Lenore Ann Maitre was born June 28, 1929 in Coon Rapids, Iowa to parents Francis and Eunice Drake and she passed away on October 17, 2015 in Plano, Texas. Her last days were spent peacefully and surrounded by family at her daughter and son in law's home in Plano, Texas where she lived for the past 14 years. She grew up on the family farm near Coon Rapids, Iowa along with her younger sister, Gayle and brother, Doug. Lenore attended a country school for her elementary years and moved into town to live with her grandparents when she started high school. She graduated at sixteen and shortly thereafter moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she worked and eventually was introduced to Dwain Maitre. They were married on April 15, 1950. The two of them built a small rambler on the northwest side of the city and lived there for the next 55 years. Lenore and Dwain raised two daughters, Diane and Debra. They made lifelong friends in their neighborhood and at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church where they were very active. Dwain worked at John Deere in Ankeny, Iowa and after the girls were in school, Lenore worked part time as a sales clerk for a florist in Des Moines. Upon their retirement Lenore and Dwain became official snowbirds and spent their winters in Brownsville Texas. Lenore loved her time in Brownsville - walking everyday, golfing, exploring the area, getting together with friends, dancing at country club events, and hosting her daughters' families during their children's' spring breaks from school. In November, 2002, Dwain had a debilitating stroke. He entered an assistant living facility near Deb's home in Plano. Lenore moved in with Deb and Mike and she faithfully spent her days at Dwain's side for the next four years. After Dwain's death, Lenore continued living with her daughter and son in law. She became involved in activities at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and enjoyed getting together with the friends she met there. As she adjusted to life without Dwain, Lenore began spending time again at her Brownsville winter home. There, she reconnected with old friends and made new ones. She was thrilled when her sister-in-law, Joan was able to fly down to share a few weeks of winter respite with her each year. Several times a year, Lenore also traveled to Minnesota to visit her daughter, Diane, and to Iowa to visit extended family and old friends. Lenore was especially happy to be able to accompany Diane and family on two memorable trips to London, England and Florence, Italy. She also enjoyed a wonderful Alaskan cruise with both daughters' families in June, 2012. Lenore is survived by her daughters, Diane Grasse (Peter) of Woodbury, Minnesota and Debra (Michael Richards) of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren, Martin and Claire Grasse and Bryan (Lindsey) and Gregory (Martha) Richards; her brother, Douglas Drake (Carolyn) of Johnston, Iowa along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Lenore is preceded in death by her husband - Dwain Maitre; her parents - Francis and Eunice Drake; her sister Gayle Force and her brother in law - Donald Maitre and father and mother in law, Jule and Della Maitre. She will be missed by many, especially her daughters, son in laws and grandchildren, who are so grateful for her love and guidance throughout their lives. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75023 with Father Russ Mower, officiating. A reception will follow immediately after the mass in the Parrish Hall. Lenore will be laid to rest with her husband Dwain at the Dallas Ft.Worth National Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Baylor Medical Center at McKinney - McKinney Nursing Education Fund #56190- 5252 W University Drive, McKinney, TX 75071- to honor the nurses who cared so compassionately to her during her short illness.