Cherished bonds at the core of a close-knit family
Le Groupe Maurice is one big family at heart. In celebration of International Day of Families, we invite you to meet residents and team members whose sincere and profound bonds embody our mission: turning each day into an opportunity to honour warmth, kindness and humanity.
The Lavaute family: All-in with heart
Ursule, Estelle, Adèle, Françoise, Simone and Lucie Lavaute all reside at Le Savignon in Lachine. The six sisters, part of a family of eleven children, grew up on a farm where work was part of daily life. “We forgot to have fun”, says Adèle. Lucie adds: “The lesson we learned from our parents was that we had to help each other. My father never wanted us to be alone.” For example, one of the Lavaute sisters deliberately repeated eleventh grade to stay with the youngest sister still attending Académie Sainte-Anne in Rawdon.
Though they now all live under the same roof, they value one thing above all: never imposing on each other. “We’re not the intrusive type – we’re the helpful type. If someone’s in a bind, we’re there”, says Lucie, who just moved into the residence. She deeply appreciated her sisters’ support as she adjusted to her new surroundings.
Sisters you can count on
Committed yet unassuming, the Lavaute sisters each contribute to their community in their own way. For instance, Adèle volunteers with an organization, providing meals and clothing to those in need. Françoise helps decorate for events at Le Savignon and assists with administrative tasks during vaccination clinics, among other things. Estelle lends her sewing skills, while Ursule – whose husband lives in a CHSLD – is always ready to help when needed.
The Lavaute sisters are full of energy. They particularly enjoy aqua fitness and bowling. “I love it because it’s a chance to meet people at the same time”, shares Estelle. “And we play cards every Saturday – it’s set in stone”. adds Adèle with a laugh.
What they especially appreciate about Le Groupe Maurice is the sense of freedom. “Like we said, we never had time to play before. Here, we’re free from responsibilities. We can finally focus on ourselves”, Adèle continues. They chose Le Savignon because they’ve known the neighbourhood since their twenties and always felt at home there.
“And the access to common areas is wonderful too. Adèle once organized a family gathering with all generations together; the oldest with the youngest… It was fantastic!” – Lucie Lavaute
The Lavaute sisters may avoid fanfare, but their kindness, wit and tireless spirit shine through. At Le Groupe Maurice, we couldn’t imagine more perfect representatives of what family truly means!
The Guilbault-Jourdain-Traversy family: Happy together
France Guilbault and her two daughters, Andréanne Jourdain and Florence Traversy, are all part of Le Groupe Maurice’s head office team. While their roles span different departments, they’re united by something essential: the determination – and the pride! – to work for a company whose values mirror their own.
“Working at Le Groupe Maurice means sharing family values, even at the office.” – Florence Traversy
In September 2023, France Guilbault joined as Assistant to the Director. Since April 2024, she has served as Executive Assistant to the President, embracing her role with passion. When speaking about Le Groupe Maurice, her eyes light up: “This is a dream culmination to my career. I feel I truly belong here.” Andréanne adds: “Seeing my mother so fulfilled at work in an environment where she’s respected and valued for her contributions is incredibly reassuring. It warms my heart.”
Seeing their mother’s genuine happiness at work, the daughters were inspired to apply in 2024; Andréanne joining as an HR Business Partner for the residences, while Florence works as a Marketing Coordinator.
Rooted in shared values
The bond between the three women is strong. Their values of integrity, kindness and resilience hold them together more than anything. “I have a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and she absolutely adores her Aunt Florence. I’m certain we’ll be able to pass on our values to her. That’s really important to me. That’s why I try to make sure she sees my sister and my mom as often as possible. I’d love to pass down the spirit that runs in our family”, Andréanne shares.
France adds, not without emotion: “Seeing my daughters flourish, evolve and be recognized for who they are is my greatest joy!” This pride is mutual, as her daughters deeply admire her for her path and determination.
Mutual memories in the workplace
Of course, corporate events take on a special meaning when experienced as a family. The Christmas party, the Seniors’ Walk… these are all opportunities for them to create unforgettable, lasting memories. “Dancing with my mother and my sister for the first time, at the office, no less! It was magical”, Florence recalls, touched.
It’s those simple moments, shared in a caring environment, that strengthen their sense of belonging and give real meaning to their commitment. Together, they show that people truly are at the heart of everything at Le Groupe Maurice…
The Thibault family: A legacy of togetherness
Sylvie, Solange, Claude and Pierre Thibault, along with his wife Danielle, live at the Vast residence in Sainte-Julie… some of them since it first opened, in fact. There, they found more than just a place to live – they found happiness! “We used to see each other a lot. Now, we see each other even more”, says Pierre, visibly happy to share his daily life with his family members.
The idea of growing old together began over 20 years ago. “We used to say, someday it would be nice to live close to each other so we could spend more time together and help each other out”, he recalls. Back then, he wasn’t ready for residence living. But when Le Groupe Maurice announced the opening of Vast, Danielle took charge – she convinced her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law to reserve an apartment. “Then I told my husband, ‘We’re going’”, she laughs.
Dressing up and giving back
Daily life at Vast is lively, marked by monthly dinners – where each of the Thibaults dresses up according to the evening’s theme – along with happy hours and games of billiards, Mexican Train or shuffleboard. Even Charlotte, Danielle and Pierre’s poodle takes part in the activities! And that little dog knows very well who to ask for treats…
The Activities Manager says the Thibaults quickly became one of Vast’s cornerstones. “They go and find residents who need help. They have huge hearts. Everyone, myself included, would love to be part of their group. Can you imagine how lucky I am? I see them every day”, she says. Claude adds, “A lot of people tell us they’d like to be part of the family. Well, we accept everyone!”
“We’re becoming increasingly aware of how fortunate we are to be together.” – Solange Thibault
Live life to the fullest–right now!
Every family member agrees that Vast is more than a mere residence. “It’s like living in a resort year-round!” Pierre jokes. The family also emphasizes the quality of the services, the kindness of the staff, the beauty of the surroundings and the peace of mind it provides. Their advice for anyone still unsure? “Don’t wait until you’re sick to move in. Come when you’re healthy, so you can really make the most of it,” Sylvie concludes.
