A visitation took place at Pellerin Funeral Home in St. Martinville on Sunday, June 7 and Monday, June 8.

A Rosary was prayed Sunday evening by the Men’s Rosary Group of New Iberia.

Father Bill Melancon officiated at the Funeral Mass. Burial followed at St. Michael Cemetery.

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Philomene Champagne Prioux, who was affectionately known as “Philo.” Born in St. Martinville, Louisiana, on June 26, 1928, she was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who filled the lives around her with warmth and laughter.

Philomene was one of three children and spent her early years sharing love and responsibility on the family farm, where she helped operate their grocery store and lovingly cared for her parents. At the young age of 36, she became a widow, yet she faced life with remarkable resilience and determination. As a devoted mother to her six children, she created a home overflowing with love and community, teaching them the values of family, hard work, and joy.

Throughout her life, Philo found happiness in the simple pleasures - fishing, dancing, and spending memorable weekends playing cards with family, especially on Sundays. She enjoyed the thrill of crabbing and crawfishing, managing over 300 traps a day and cherishing the laughter shared while counting crabs with her daughters. An avid gardener with a remarkable green thumb, she took great pride in her flower beds and spent countless joyful hours tending to her immaculate yard.

Even at the remarkable age of 97, Philomene remained an active spirit, indulging in her passions for crossword puzzles and keeping up with current events through the newspaper. Her laughter and zest for life were contagious, as was her spirit of adventure, albeit she never did learn to ride a bike!

Philo leaves behind an incredible legacy that will live in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Sandra Prioux, Judy Simar (Dwight), Kenneth Prioux (Dawn), Sharon Stoute and Rodney Prioux (Sharon); brother, Joseph Champagne (Noemi); grandchildren, Jason Broussard, Jacob Simar, Jeremy Simar, Jenna Lasseigne, Jordan Toups, Judd Prioux, Garth Stoute, Trevor Stoute, Jamie Boudreaux, Jessie Boudreaux, Justin Prioux, Rilyn Prioux and Aubrey Prioux; 15 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat- grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her first husband and the father of her children, Harvey Prioux; former husband, A. Leo Thomas; daughter, Thelma Prioux; granddaughter, Jacqueline Ramirez; great-grandchild, Rory Goo; parents, Dumas Champagne and Delphine Douet Champagne; sister, Yola Poirier; and her special friend, Wilton “Zorro” Thibodeaux.

Pallbearers were Kenneth Prioux, Rodney Prioux, Sandra Prioux, Judy Simar, Sharon Stoute, Jamie Boudreaux and Jessie Boudreaux.

Honorary pallbearers were Jason Broussard, Jacob Simar, Jeremy Simar, Judd Prioux, Garth Stoute, Trevor Stoute, Justin Prioux, Dwight Simar, Dexter Poche and Gerald Champagne.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Landmark Nursing Home, especially administrator, Jason and all of the exceptional staff and residents during her 7 years there.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.