Cankton – A Memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church for Renée Jardin Simas, 93, who died peacefully at her daughter’s home on Monday, May 21, 2012, at 8:50 p.m.

A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday.

Rev. Henry Broussard, Pastor of St. John Berchmans, will officiate at the Mass. Scriptures were read by Kristina Doguet and Sonya Massoni. Gift bearers were Adrien Massoni and Nicholas Doguet.

Renee was born in Annebault (a small town in) Normandy France on November 15, 1918. She resided in the resort towns of Deauville and Honfleur located in Normandy. Renee was a firsthand witness of World War II in Normandy and helped with the French Resistance effort during the war. The war effort by France and the U.S. made such an impression on Renee, she made a generous donation to the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum in Caen, France. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the museum’s U.S. committee.

Renee moved to the U.S. in 1963 with her husband, Paul and family. Paul, a professional chef, had a three-year work contract. Afterwards they stayed in Cajun Country. She worked for the St. Martin School system at Breaux Bridge High School. After her husband passed away and her retirement Renee would spend her summers in Normandy France.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Simas of Brittany France; her Mother, Colombe Josephine Valentine Sevestre Jardin; father, Eugene Auguste Roger Jardin; sister, Paulette Bernard, all of France; a son-in–law, SFC Marion A. (Tony) Massoni, USA Retired, of Leesville.

Survived by her daughters, Dominique Simas Massoni of Leesville and Joelle Simas Doguet and husband, Darrel of Cankton; and four grandchildren, Sonya and Adrien Massoni of Leesville, Kristina Doguet of Lafayette and Nicholas Doguet of Cankton.

The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their kindness, generosity and professionalism. Heartfelt appreciation goes to Crystal, her RN, and Gwen (CNA). Thanks also to nurse Margaret. They made our burden much lighter.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.

To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.

(Pd.Obit)