Mercy Ships honors a life of service

Françoise André, committed to Mercy Ships from the beginning

Alongside her husband Henri André, Françoise has been an active partner of Don and Deyon Stephens since the foundation of Mercy Ships. In our June 2023 newsletter, she recounted the memory of the moment she first heard about Don Stephens’ idea:

“Don and Deyon had invited us to dinner one evening at their very small apartment in the hills of Lausanne. Don began to talk about his dream of a hospital ship. Henri had said to him, ‘We can help you, come see us at the office!’”

Don Stephens adds, “Without Henri’s expertise, that of his colleagues, and the SwissAtlantique family business, we would not exist today. I knew nothing about the maritime world, yet it was essential for my project, and it is thanks to them that we have been able to come as far as we have.”

In 45 years, Françoise André has not lost her passion for the work of Mercy Ships, as she already expressed in our 2018 annual report. “From the beginning, I was excited about the almost crazy dream of my friends Don and Deyon: we never imagined that from an old decommissioned cruise ship, Mercy Ships would become the organization it is today. I continue to be moved by the commitment of all those who serve by giving their time, money, and energy!”

Her love for others and her enduring joy will remain etched in our memories forever. The team of Mercy Ships Switzerland in Lausanne will especially remember her humor, her humility, the moments of shared prayer and her genuine interest in each team member.