Patricia Soileau Fournet
St. Martinville- A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2023 at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for Patricia Soileau Fournet, 96, who passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023 at Cornerstone Nursing Home.
A visitation took place at the funeral home in St. Martinville on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and continued on Monday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
A rosary was recited at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Rev. Bill Melancon officiated at the funeral mass. Readers at the mass were Kelli B. Storey and Kathryn B. May.
Interment followed at Fournet Family Cemetery in St. Martinville.
She graduated from St. Bernard High School in Breaux Bridge and received a Bachelor’s degree from SLI (now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). While at SLI, she was a member of the Red Jackets, a group of students chosen by invitation to provide spirit at various athletic events. She was also a member of the Delta Theta Sigma sorority.
Known as “Miss Pat” to her students, she taught first and second grade for 25 years for the St. Martin Parish School system. She also taught for many additional years at Our Lady of Mercy Elementary, St. Martin Academy, and Trinity Catholic Elementary. Numerous students through the years expressed gratitude for the affectionate care and nurturing she provided during their early school years.
After her retirement from teaching, she was an active member of the St. Martin Parish Association of Retired teachers and the Garden Club, winning many awards for her floral creations. She was a devout Catholic, a member of the Catholic Daughters, and participated in a local rosary group. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing cards with friends, and spending time with her family spoiling the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born to Maurice and Mae Potier Soileau on June 5, 1927, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jennings C. Fournet, her parents, brother Lawrence D. Soileau, sister Dorothy Soileau Etier, and son-in-law Tommy J. Breaux.
She is survived by her three daughters: Karen F. Roberts and husband, Greg, Patricia F. Breaux Habetz and husband, Tedmund, Julie F. Hoffpauir and husband, Todd; son, Drue C. Fournet, and wife, Jane; ten grandchildren: Gregory Roberts (Crissy), Michael Roberts, Kelli B. Storey (Lance) Tommy J. Breaux, II (Raven), Kathryn B. May (Brian), Ashley Fournet, Douglas Fournet (Jessica), Laura Hoffpauir, Lily Hoffpauir, and Adam Hoffpauir; ten great-grandchildren: Riley Roberts, Chloe Roberts, Greyson Storey, Demi Richard, Tommy “Tucker” Breaux, III, Tanner Breaux, Vivian Breaux, Zoe Wilson, Emily May, and Elizabeth May. She is also survived by her brother David Soileau (Elaine) and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Adam Hoffpauir, Todd Hoffpauir, Gregory Roberts, Michael Roberts, Tommy J. Breaux, II and Tommy J. “Tucker” Breaux, III.
Honorary pallbearers were Douglas Fournet, Tanner Breaux, Greyson Storey, Greg Roberts, and Ted Habetz.
The family greatly appreciates the care provided by Garden View of Lafayette Assisted Living, Camelot of Broussard Skilled Nursing, Cornerstone at the Ranch Nursing Home and Hospice of Acadiana. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to Hospice of Acadiana.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.
Pellerin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
(Pd.Adv.)