Allan LaReau ’70
The Notre Dame community became a beacon of love and support for Allan LaReau ’70 following the loss of his young daughter.
During my recovery, I was able to receive the care that I needed not only with family by my side but with my Notre Dame work colleagues In the weeks following Gretchen’s death, through the generosity of family and friends, we arranged for a bench to be placed on campus to remember and honor our beloved daughter. Her bench sits near LaFortune, with a view of the Clarke Memorial Fountain, and provides a comforting respite during our campus visits.
“We can’t avoid suffering in this life, but we do not have to suffer alone. The word “Emmanuel” translates to “God with us.” During Advent, we remember that Christ came to earth to be with us — to experience every joy, every sorrow, every temptation, and every pain with us. Love truly transforms our suffering into meaningful connections that last for eternity.”
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This is a good example of what it means to overcome grief with faith..
Thank you for sharing your story with us Allan. Like you, the Notre Dame community was mg strength and comfort during my 9-year-old’s cancer journey. To honor Gretchen, I plan on enjoying the view from her bench and saying a rosary for her family.
Emmanuel….God with us…..And . “Love truly transforms our suffering into meaningful connections that last for eternity.” These items are very powerful to me this day. I shall make it a point to sit on Gretchen’s bench and pray. One of my prayers tonight and in the future shall be that more and more folks may have the Connected Community Support that your family had and has Allan.
I’m so sorry to for loss. You are very strong to have endured such a tragedy that could easily devastate many of us. I look forward to locating that bench outside La Fortune where I’ll feel your daughter’s spirit and your strength. You will always be surrounded by the Notre Dame family.
As close friends of Al and Rita LaReau we are witnesses to the spiritual strength and high purpose which Notre Dame and its community continue to supply. Thank you all!
God bless, Gretchen.
Hard to put into words, my friend, Very moving tribute. Gretchy lives in our harts and you and your family our in our prayers.
Thank you for sharing your story of pain and joy. So many people coming together for you! Stunning! Please know you have one more “friend” in Missoula Montana who is sending you and your family love today, all these years later.
So sad 🙁 God bless you, Mr. LaReau
God bless you, Al. We will look for Gretchen’s bench and say a prayer there. Nice glasses!
Thank you, Mr. LaReau, for sharing this beautiful tribute to your daughter during Advent. Your family graciously hosted me as a summer service project participant in the summer of 1998. Seeing your reflection brought back a rush of great memories visiting your home for dinners that summer. From my family to yours, Peace be with you and Merry Christmas.
Alan, My condolences to you and your family on your loss, we lost a good friend of ours this past
summer from cancer, her name was Gretchen, a Notre Dame alumnus and a true special person.
Happy Holidays and my prayers to you and your family, God Bless Gretchen….Go IRISH!!!!
Thank you for sharing this story. I will look for Gretchen’s bench the next time I am on campus. She will now be remembered by even more people.
My eyes are tearing. Thank you Allan for this sharing. God bless you & your family 🍀
Al, So sorry for your loss.
Peace be with you.
Al is and was an inspiration to all of his classmates. He is what helps make Notre Dame special for so many for so long.
Blessings for all who grieve.
Our spiritual journey includes love and loss, joy and sadness. But there is one constant – we never face these challenges alone. We have wonderful friends who understand and care.
“Sacred Stories” shows us that it is not just places, but the special people like Al and his family and his Notre Dame friends who make Notre Dame such a spiritually remarkable place.
Prayers for Gretchen. She is now a forever angel. Inspiring so many.
Allan, thanks for this story about the power of our Notre Dame family.
May God bless you and your family during the Christmas season. I will keep you and Gretchen in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing your story. Being part of the Notre Dame family resurrects compassion, understanding & always hope & trust in Him through family. May the spirit be always with you
She had so much spirit. God you all.
Thank you, Allan, for sharing your story of your dear Gretchen and your profound message of hope and triumph of which Advent reminds us with the coming of Love itself into the world. God bless you, Rita and the family this Christmas.
Alan,
Quite a moving story of the redemptive power of God’s love for us and the victory of that love over suffering. Despite your tremendous loss, I’m overjoyed that Emmanuel reached out to you through family and faith to provide comfort and healing. Fear not, you will definitely see Gretchen again…
Allan,
Thanks for telling your family’s painful but beautifully inspiring story. In the 53 years since our graduation from ND, many bad and painful things have likely happened to many of our classmates, and, in the upcoming years, many more undoubtedly will. Your telling of Gretchen’s story and of your faith will prove to be an inspiration and beacon to many in their darker hours.
Next fall, we will look for the bench and remember your message and your family.