Our community in Neuchâtel were recently shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of Bernard Moreau in Montpellier, France where he and his wife Hazel had moved back to six years ago. They had spent many years with us in Neuchâtel Church – interspersed with a period of a few years in Montpellier where they opened a sandwich bar – to be closer to their son Chris and family and to teach grandson Hayden to speak fluent English. They quickly became stalwarts of our church, with Hazel playing an important role of secretary on the Church council and Bernard ever present at her side to help with financial, technical or financial matters.
We were sorry to see them return to Montpellier, and glad to welcome them back when they came to visit their family. Unfortunately Bernard had been diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s disease, for which he was able to receive treatment and retard the progression of the disease. But from Christmas 2021, his mental health declined rapidly and he needed help with eating and drinking. His speech was affected and he started receiving palliative care at home. His death came as a shock to us all, but we were relieved that he did not have a long period of suffering.
A simple graveside ceremony was held at the local cemetery. Pat, Jenny and Peter made the journey to represent our church.
Please pray for Hazel, her daughter Penny, son Christopher and grandson Hayden and may God comfort them in their mourning.