Mary Dell Bourque
St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 at St. Rita Catholic Church for Mary Dell Bourque, 81, who passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A visitation took place at the funeral home in St. Martinville on Friday, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and continued on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
A rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
Rev. Bill Melancon officiated at the Funeral Mass. Readers were Danielle Theriot and Desiree Theriot. Gift bearers were Chelsie Bourque and Brittney Bonin.
Interment followed at St. Michael Mausoleum in St. Martinville.
Mary Dell Bourque, a beloved member of the Catholic Daughters of America, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unconditional devotion to her family and community.
Born on November 1, 1942, in New Iberia, Mary’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of kindness and generosity. Throughout her career at Abdalla’s, she not only helped people choose the perfect attire but also brightened their days with her warm smile and caring nature. Alongside her husband Leon, Mary spent countless nights in the machine shop, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Described as being, to-the-point, funny, and always the matriarch of the family, Mary’s presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. Her greatest joy came from babysitting her grandchildren, earning her the affectionate title of “Granny” among many. She cherished these moments and embraced her role with love and enthusiasm until the very end.
In her leisure time, Mary found delight in traveling to Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN with her family. Whether exploring new destinations or preparing holiday feasts, she approached every moment with a sense of adventure and a desire to create lasting traditions. Her dedication extended to cheering on her grandchildren during sports events, especially when they played travel ball. Her love and support knew no bounds, as she never missed a game regardless of location.
Mary’s giving spirit extended beyond her family to the Evangeline Volunteer Fire Dept., where she lovingly prepared meals for their monthly meetings. Her selfless acts of kindness exemplified the essence of who she was - a pillar of strength and compassion in her community.
Mary Dell Bourque will be deeply missed by her surviving family and friends. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit lives on in the cherished memories she created and the lives she touched along the way. May we honor her legacy by carrying forward her values of love, laughter, and generosity in all that we do.
She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Cindy) Bourque and Craig (Melanie) Bourque; daughters, Robbie (Darrel) Leslie, Ginger (Brian) Theriot, Lacie Bourque, and Angel (Travis) Thibodeaux; her step-daughter, Barbara Ann (Gregory) Bourque; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; her extended family Shelia, Denise and Tina Hebert; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Leon “T-Bit” Bourque; parents, Robert and Yolande Louviere Gondron; sister, Beverly Latiolais; grandchild, Cody Nicholas Bourque; brothers-in-law, Roy Latiolais, Elmo “Sonny” Bourque, Michael Bourque, and Ulysses Romero; sisters-in-law, Lucy Bourque, Matilda Romero, Anna Mae Bourque; and her in-laws, Elmo and Matilda Bourque.
Pallbearers were Gordy Bourque, Bryson Theriot, Austin Theriot, Brad Bonin, Damon Toucheck, and Gavin Thibodeaux.
Honorary pallbearers were Chase Thibodeaux, Gage Thibodeaux, Snap Laviolette, Craig Bourque, Kevin Bourque, Darrel Leslie and Brian Theriot.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Nursing Specialties Home Health and Hospice and also Lacey, Tamika, and Stephanie for their love and compassion that was given to their loved one.
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.
(Pd.Adv.)