LeBrasseur known as
‘Mrs. Alexandria’ Kathryn LeBrasseur is looking forward to her class reunion this July as much as today’s high schoolers anticipate graduation day. The 88-year-old Alexandrian, who graduated from what was known as Central High School back in her day, is celebrating her 70th class reunion. She graduated in 1948 and called her class a “strong class.” She said there are between 12 to 14 students who still live in the Alexandria lakes area. “We always have a hayrack during the homecoming parade each year,” she said. Born and raised in Alexandria, LeBrasseur hasn’t always
lived here, she said, adding that she married Donald LeBrasseur, who she called a wanderlust. The couple lived in several different states besides Minnesota, including Wisconsin, Alaska and Arizona. In 1979, however, they moved back to Alexandria to settle down and raise their family. “Alexandria was always the place we wanted to return to,” she said. And when she returned, LeBrasseur consumed herself with community involvement and hasn’t stopped since. “I feel very fortunate to be able to still be involved at my
22 | GENERATIONS • Summer 2018
age,” she said. “I’ve been blessed to still be mobile as I am and still able to drive and get around.” LeBrasseur said she has always been “one for a cause” and loves to support organizations that make a difference. She has worked with many different organizations during the past several decades. When asked how many, LeBrasseur guessed probably 30, and then quickly said it is probably closer to 50. Because of her commitment to the community, she was awarded the Sertoma’s Service to Mankind Award in 2016 and Alexandria Mayor Sara Carlson dubbed her “Mrs. Al-
By Celeste Edenloff Contributing writer
exandria.” The mayor was quoted in a May 2016 Echo Press article saying, “We need to know that Kathryn should always be known as ‘Mrs. Alexandria.’ There is nobody who exemplifies Alexandria more than Kathryn LeBrasseur.” She’s helped out with churches and senior clubs, schools and hospitals, Girl Scouts and the Women’s Club and so many more. “I think I was the first Brownie in Alexandria,” she said. “And then I ended up running the first Girl Scout Camp. I feel privileged to be a part of so many women’s organiza-