Andre Emile Pied

André was a caring and enthusiastic person known for his humor, thriftiness, and ability to engage people through song, dance, games, and his work. He was born at home in Salem, Massachusetts to Emile and Cecile Pied. He grew up playing pond hockey, swimming in the ocean, working odd jobs, and spending time with his siblings, Claudette, Claire, Georgette, Bernadette, and Paul. A descendant of Canadian immigrants, André spoke French at home before learning English in school. He attended Salem High School, where he trained to be an electrician and played football.

André expected to go into the service or become a Catholic priest. Instead, football took him to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Academic struggles in high school and college became the foundation of his career, helping others navigate traditional education. In 1968, he earned a master’s degree in Community Education and Educational Administration from Central Michigan. He often told stories about his adventures in the Midwest: hitchhiking home to Massachusetts, sleeping on friends’ couches when campus housing closed, living in a camper on Lake Superior, and hunting, fishing, and canoeing with friends.

While working in northern Vermont, André met elementary school teacher Barbara Nawrath, whom he was married to for 18 years. They had three children, Nicole, Claudine, and David, and maintained a strong connection until his death. They first lived in northern Vermont and Michigan where André worked as a principal and community education director.

In 1978, the family moved to Caribou, Maine, where André worked as the Adult and Community Education Director for seven years, before serving in a similar position in Skowhegan. André was dedicated to helping adults earn high school diplomas and to developing programs and classes that brought the community together.

In the 1990s, André became particularly interested in enhancing social, political, and historical connections between Maine and Quebec. He developed language-learning and economic development exchange programs between Quebec and central Maine. This led to the creation of the Kennebec-Chaudière Heritage Corridor, which highlights the ongoing movement of people and ideas along an international river corridor.

André consistently expressed his love and appreciation for friends and family, including his siblings, their children; his in-laws, Chris, Alexej, and Toni; and grandchildren, Zebulon, Eleanor, Silas, Sam, and Sawyer. He enjoyed kayaking, snowmobiling, hiking, and time with the many friends he met in Skowhegan, Jackman, Saint-Georges, and Montreal. He always collected extra ice skates, bikes, and garage sale deals, so people could participate in the games he schemed up.

André died July 14 at the age of 81 after struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Myeloma. Friends and family are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate the life of André at Lakewood Golf Course Clubhouse in Madison, Maine on August 23 at 4:00 PM. We will encourage attendees to share stories and reflections about André.