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A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Saturday, June 10, 2017 at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Thomas Bernard Forte, 67, who died June 7, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Lafayette after a brief illness.
Fr. Bill Ruskowski, associate pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Broussard will be officiating for the services. The family is requesting visiting hours to be held Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in St. Leo Cemetery in Roberts Cove, LA.
Tom was born in White Castle, LA. He graduated from Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, LA in 1967 and always kept a strong bond with his classmates through the years. He was a Vietnam veteran and served his country honorably for two years. Wishing to continue a life of service, he pursued a degree in nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette formally known as U.S. L. It was here that he first became friends with Deb, his wife to be. As a nurse, Tom followed his true passion of being a comforter for the sick, and a great communicator. He was an intensive care nurse at Baton Rouge General Hospital for over ten years. Yearning to further his education, he obtained a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia from Xavier University. He started his anesthesia career at Oschner Hospital in New Orleans and then transferred to St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, TX retiring several years ago . His nursing career spanned over thirty-six years. Tom’s tender heart and caring hands touched countless lives and families throughout the years.
He was proudest of his Italian heritage, with a little German and Irish mixed in. Tom was truly gifted, and well-traveled. He enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid fisherman. His personal attributes were many, including an unrelenting generosity, a great listener, and an amazing breathe of wisdom. Tom was an inspiration to many, and strived to find the best in everyone he met. His inner drive and commitment to his family and friends will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years Debra Zaunbrecher Forte of Roberts Cove; one stepson, Christopher Tassin and his wife, Danielle of Roberts Cove; two sisters, Linda Forte Tannerhill and her husband, Willie, of Simsboro, LA, and Eleanor Forte “Becky” Himel of Donaldsonville, LA; two brothers, John Nathan Forte and his wife, Lynn of Walker, LA, and Vincent Rosario Forte, M.D. and his wife, Lana of Monroe, LA; six nieces, Amy Tannerhill, Wendy Glass, Holly Cavalier, Heidi Theriot, Bobbie Lott, and Sheila Rhodus; and six nephews, Michael Tannerhill, Huey Himel, Jr., Nathan Forte, Jr., Jess Forte, Michael Forte, and James Forte.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Eleanor “Fundy” Funderburk Forte; his brother-in-law, Huey P. Himel, Sr.; and one nephew, Willie Ray Tannerhill, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Vincent Forte, M.D., Christopher Tassin, Michael Forte, C. Louis Ray, Huey Himel, Jr., Mark Zaunbrecher, and Rusty Vice. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Tannerhill, Mikey Tannerhill, Nathan Forte, James Forte, John Forte, Nikolaus Vice, William Vice, and Jacob Vice.
The family would like to thank Jason Breaux, M.D., Andy Blalock, M.D., and the I.C.U. nursing staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center for their dedication and compassion given to Tom and our family during this difficult time.
Tom had a passion for the outdoors and was a Master Gardener. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The American Red Cross.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church for Henrietta Handy, 71, who died June 3, 2017, at Lafayette General Medical Center.
Services will be conducted by Father Sonny Brown.
Interment will be in South Crowley Cemetery.
She is survived by one daughter, Rose Simms of Crowley; two sons, David Handy and Jonathan Wilson, both of Crowley; five grandchildren, Larisa Simms of Crowley, John Simms of Crowley, Robert Simms Jr. of South Korea, Jonerica Whiting of Houston, Texas, and Kristen Wilson of Crowley; five great grandchildren, Monica Thomas, Tyrese White, Roselina Simms, Kayden James and Tera Whiting; five remaining siblings, Dorothy Vallier of Houston, Gilbert Handy of Crowley, Abram Handy of Houston, Ann Marie Guidry of Richmond, Texas, and Delores Handy of Crowley; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, John Christopher Wilson; granddaughter, Monica Simms; parents, Bob and Virginia Handy; six siblings, Lula Bailey, Gertrude Handy, Archie Handy, Joseph Handy, Martin Handy and William Handy.
A rosary will be recited on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at St. Theresa Catholic Church at 9 a.m.
Sign the guestbook online at www.syriefh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette.
Rena Mae Menard was born in Morse on May 24, 1929, to Ivy Thibodeaux and Pauline Conner Thibodeaux. She was called to her Heavenly Father on June 6, 2017. Rena worked as an Associate for Sears until her retirement. She loved to play cards and dancing, but mostly she loved caring for her family. Rena was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Rena is survived by her son, Nason Keith Menard of Morse; granddaughters, Kim (Barton) Kibodeaux of Morse and Jennifer (Eric) Thompson of Lyons Point; grandson, Shawn (Shawntel) Richard of Lafayette; two great-granddaughters, Haley (T-Wayne) Kibodeaux of Rayne and Kennedy Thompson of Lyons Point; four great-grandsons, Steven Kibodeaux of Morse, John (Robbie) LaPointe II of Lyons Point, Drew Thompson of Lyons Point and Henry Richard of Lafayette; and two great-great-granddaughters, Mia LaPointe of Rayne and Evelynn-Grace Istre of Rayne.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents, Ivy and Pauline Thibodeaux; beloved husband, Nason Menard; son, Steven Menard; sister, Verdie Richard; and brother, Paul Thibodeaux.
A Funeral Service for Rena Mae Menard, 88, of Morse will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Gueydan on Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jimmy Broussard officiating. A gathering of family and friends be held at Matthews & Son Funeral Home in Gueydan beginning on Thursday, June 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary beginning recited at 7 p.m. The family request that visitation resume on Friday, June 9, at 8 a.m. until the time of her funeral service. Rena will be laid to rest in Hanks Cemetery.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 9, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Ruth Marie Spell, 71, who died June 7, 2017, at The Carpenter House in Lafayette.
Rev. Jimmy Broussard will be officiating for the services. Visitation will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to the time of service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Ms. Spell is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Bernice Hunter Spell; and one brother, Leonard “Pep” Spell.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.
Due to inclement weather last weekend, the 2017 Annual Children’s Catch & Release Fishing Derby has been re-scheduled for Saturday, July 15, at the ponds located on the grounds of Maison d’Memoire (Ken & Lynn Guidry) at 8450 Roberts Cove Road (Hwy. 98) just north of Rayne.
The City of Rayne will again join a number of community partners for the event, including The Acadiana Sportman’s League, Rayne Lions Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Maison d’Memoire.
The event will take place between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. with the awards ceremony to follow. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.
This catch and release fishing event is being held for children up to 15 years of age with category breakdowns in different age groups. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the day.
Activities planned include a short briefing on the rules and guidelines for the day’s activities, an educational packet containing information on tying a knot, baiting a hook, identification of fish, general fishing safety and an approximate 2 hour fishing derby with the assistance from members of Acadiana Sportsman League.
Prizes awarded at the end of the fishing tournament will include largest fish in each age category and most fish caught in each age category.
A light lunch of hot dogs and cold drinks will be available, with the assistance of the Rayne Lions Club, for those enjoying the day’s activities.
Participants must bring their own fishing poles and are encouraged to bring suntan lotion, bug repellent, lawn chairs and hats for protection from the sun.
In the past ice chests were not allowed, but ice chests will be allowed this year with the following condition: they will be inspected prior to being allowed to leave for reasons of controlling the catch and release element of this derby.
While there is no fee to fish, pre-registration is a MUST! When calling, you will need to have your child(ren)’s name, age and t-shirt size.
Please make a special note that participants will not be allowed into the fishing area prior to 8:30 a.m. out of respect to patrons staying at Maison de Memoire.
Make your plans to attend today by calling Suzette Leonards at 337-334-6682 or stop by Rayne City Hall.
RAYNE - A one-thirty afternoon Nuptial Mass at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, June 17, 2017, will unite in holy matrimony Mariah Day Hukins and Eric John Miller, both of Carencro. A reception will follow at The Grand Opera House in Crowley.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Colin and Charlotte Hukins of Carencro. Her grandparents are Huey Arnaud of Carencro, the late Lucy Arnaud, and A.M. and Dru Hukins of Lafayette.
Mariah is a 2011 graduate of Carencro High School, 2015 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education, and is currently employed as a teacher with the Lafayette Parish School Board.
The prospective groom is the son of Daniel and Theresa Simoneaux of Rayne, Mildred Miller and the late Terry Miller of Crowley. His grandparents are Azetille Jean Primeaux of Crowley, the late Oliver Primeaux, and Sylvia and James Lubert Miller of Crowley.
Eric is a 2010 graduate of Rayne High School, 2014 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a focus in education, and is employed as a teacher and coach with the Lafayette Parish School Board.
Following their wedding, the couple will reside in Crowley.
RAYNE - The American Legion Home will serve as the setting on Saturday, August 5, 2017, for a wedding ceremony that will unite in marriage Brittany Boudreaux of Lafayette and Alex Bourque of Breaux Bridge. A reception will follow on site.
The bride-elect is the daughter of John and Rebecca Dupont Boudreaux of Rayne. Her grandparents are the late Earl and Joyce Dupont of Rayne and the late Hilbert and Rita Boudreaux of Church Point.
Brittany is a 2005 graduate of Rayne High School, attained a CNA degree from SLCC Acadian Campus, and is employed by Centurion Neuro-Muscular Skeletal, LLC.
The prospective groom is the son of Michael and Melissa Romero Bourque of Breaux Bridge. His grandparents are Maria Carroll of Breaux Bridge, the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bourque Sr. of Lafayette, the late Ethel Thibodeaux of St. Peterburg, Florida, and the late Ernest Romero of New Iberia.
Alex is a graduate of The Academy of Wisdom in Breaux Bridge and is currently employed by Goldin Metals, Inc.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 5, at 11 a.m. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne for Jimmy J. Menard Sr., 62, who passed away at his home in Branch on Friday, June 2, 2017, at 11:35 p.m.
Mrs. Ellen Cormier, pastor of Victory Family Worship Center in Scott, officiated for the services.
Burial was in St. Edmund Catholic Church Cemetery in Branch.
The family requested the visitation to be held on Sunday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. in the funeral home chapel in Rayne. A Rosary was recited on Sunday at 7 o’clock in the evening. Visitation resumed on Monday, June 5, at 8 a.m. until time of services.
Mr. Jimmy was a resident of Branch. He retired from SLEMCO with 29 years of service in Crowley and Lafayette.
He enjoyed riding horses and trail rides, spending time with family, fishing and cooking. He will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 36 years, Susanna Susan Menard of Branch; one daughter, April and husband, Jammie Degeyter of Cecilia; one son, Jimmy “Jay” Menard Jr. and companion Latrell Primeaux of Branch; his mother, Loretta Lanclos Babineaux; three sisters, Laura and husband Harold Marceaux of Lafayette, Gertrude Guillory of Lafayette and Sandra and husband Henry Winn of Lafayette; two brothers, Rickey Menard Sr. and wife Annette of Youngsville and John D. Menard Jr. and wife Juanita of Cecilia; one step sister, Melanie and husband Glen Landry of Erath; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers for the services were Jammie Degeyter, Terry Broussard, Nick Denais, James Marceaux Jr., Jason Menard and Rickey Menard Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers for the service were Lane Menard, Jade Degeyter, Mason Winn, Bryce Arabie, John Dudley Menard Jr., Rickey Menard Sr. and Harold Marceaux.
Mr. Menard was preceded in death by his father, John Dudley Menard Sr.; his step father, John Babineaux; one brother, Julian Menard; one sister, Dianne Menard Hebert; one nephew, Robin “Boo’ Marceaux; one niece, Rachelle Guillory.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mr. Menard’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC - Rayne, (337) 334-3600, 900 E. Texas Ave., Rayne, was in charge of all of the arrangements.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 6, at 2 p.m. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne for Mary Ellen Picard, 84, who passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 10:53 p.m. at Southwind Nursing Home in Crowley.
Deacon Tommy Adams, from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne officiated for the services.
Burial was in the St. Joseph Catholic Church New Cemetery in Rayne.
The family requested the visitation to be held on Monday, June 5, at 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. in the funeral home chapel in Rayne. A Rosary was recited on Monday at 6 o’clock in the evening. Visitation resumed on Tuesday, June 6, at 8 a.m. until time of services.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Joseph Picard; two sons, Carrol and wife Ruth Picard of Church Point, and Gerald and wife Marian Bernard of Lafayette; one daughter, Dianne Bernard and husband Ronnie Desormeaux of Rayne; three sisters, Bella Trahan of Carencro, Mary Lou Bernard of Carencro and Ruby Guidry of Jennings; nine grandchildren, Sean, Shane and Byron Bernard, Sonya Alleman, Shannon and Shavon Desormeaux, Carissa Sharbeno, Traci and Evan Picard; several step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Picard was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Bernard; one grandson, Christopher Bernard; her parents, Arvilin and Rose R. Faul; several brothers and sister.
Pallbearers were Carrol Picard, Evan Picard, Donald Faul, Shannon Desormeaux, Sean Bernard and Gavin Desormeaux
Honorary pallbearers were Terry Martin and Donyel Martin
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mrs. Picard’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC - Rayne, (337) 334-3600, 900 E. Texas Ave., Rayne, was in charge of all of the arrangements.
Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
Rayne-Acadian Tribune
108 North Adams, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
Church Point News
c/o The Eunice News, 465 Aymond St., Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061