Andre B. Floen

Andre B. Floen, 86, of Bradenton, Florida, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in her daughter’s home at Longboat Key, FL.  She was born August 10, 1936 in Littlefork, Minnesota to Lawrence Joseph LaChapelle & IdaMay (Stephenson) LaChapelle.

Andre married Sidney R. Hart in Littlefork, MN on December 10, 1955.  She moved with her new husband to Silver Bay, MN and together they had 5 children.  She was a stay-at-home mom while the kids were young and did bookkeeping for Sid’s gravel business.  When the children were older, Andre worked part-time at the Little Marais Post Office, as well as selling Avon. After her divorce, Andre began her first full-time job at the Air Force Base Commissary in Finland, MN.

On December 2, 1977 Andre married Dale J. Floen and they moved to Wright, Wyoming in October of 1979.  They both worked at an open pit coal mine until their retirement in 1991.  They sold their house and bought a motorhome and spent the next few years traveling the country during the summer months and spending their winters in Texas.  When they grew tired of the road, they settled back in Lax Lake, MN for several years, but the harsh winter and a longing for the mountains brought them back to Wyoming, where they built a house in Dubois.  They later moved to Pine Haven, WY to be closer to family.

The fall of 2013 they sold their home in WY and started spending their winters in Sun City West, AZ and summers back in Silver Bay, MN.  In 2021 Andre moved in with her sister, Rhea, at her niece’s home (Periann & Don Farnsworth) in Bethel, MN.  The sisters were affectionately known as “The Mommas”.  A nickname started by their younger brother, Charlie.

In August of 2022 Andre moved to Bradenton, FL to be near her daughter.  She enjoyed time on the beach, day trip adventures, dinners out, and sleep overs with Carlyn. She loved seeing all the birds and other wildlife found in the area. And she loved every minute she had with her sons when they visited.  

Over the years Andre enjoyed many hobbies including cross-stitch, knitting, embroidery, stained glass, crafting and most of all, reading.

Andre was preceded in death by her parents, dearest uncle, Ross Stephenson, beloved cousin & best friend, LaReine (Watrous) Berg, newborn daughter, Marya Lynn Hart, eldest son, Gerald Allan Hart and precious grandson, Kaden Matthew Hart.

She is survived by her siblings; Rhea Sunell of Ponderay, ID, Lorna Thompson of Littlefork, MN and Charles LaChapelle of Missoula, MT, children; Lee (Susan) Hart of Gillette, WY, Carlyn Vigil of Longboat Key, FL and Mike (Connie) Hart of Missoula, MT.  She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren; Jennifer, Traci, Kallan & Maryn, 5 great-grandchildren; Ashley, Lindsay, Brandon, Makenna & Trevor, and 2 great-great grandchildren; Burgundy & Paloma, as well as her bonus daughter, Lynn Tucker, and many cousins.

Andre was a kind and loving mother, sister & friend, with a great sense of humor.  Spending time with her family, making memories and sharing laughter, was one of her greatest joys.  She was the matriarch of her family and will be deeply missed by all.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Sawtooth Mountain Cemetery in Silver Bay, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save.org, a non-profit organization that offers support & education for suicide prevention across the United States.