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January 27, 1928 ~ January 2, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Wanda Bouligny Luquette, 95, who died Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Abbeville General Hospital. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Nicholas DuPre' officiating the services. Those serving as pallbearers will be Billy Lewis, Brandon Luquette, Stephen Lee, Jonathan Luquette, Neil Prejean, and Zachary Boroughs. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Luquette, Ed Lewis, and Joshua Boroughs.
Wanda Marie Bouligny Luquette was born in Grosse Isle, La. on January 27, 1928.  She was preceded in death by her parents Blondine Ledet Bouligny and Frank Anthony Bouligny; brother, Daniel Joseph Bouligny; and her beloved husband of 70 years, Irby Joseph Luquette.
Irby and Wanda met at school and began their life together in 1947 in Grosse Isle, La. before settling into Abbeville, La. where they lived the rest of their lives together.  In their 70 years together, they raised 6 children, Ronnie, Cynthia, Karen, Gary, Anne, and Mary.  The family was raised in a modest upbringing, however Wanda ensured they always had everything they needed.
Wanda was blessed with an amazing and very large family who loved her dearly.  Her oldest, Ronnie, is married to Kate and they have 2 children; Brandon and Brent and live in Houston.  Cynthia, the oldest daughter, is married to Harris and they have 3 children; Billy, Ed and Amanda and live in Abbeville.  Karen is married to Barney, and they have 3 children; Andrea, Erin and Neil and live in Abbeville.  Gary is married to Brenda and have 3 children; Rachel, Jonathan and Leah and live in Montgomery, Tx.  Anne has 3 children: Stephen, Angela and Camille and lives in Abbeville.  Mary is married to David, and they have 2 children; Zachary and Joshua and they live in Houston.  From these 6 children, she has been blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even 1 great-great-grandchild.
She had a strong faith in God and received the Holy Eucharist weekly from Beverly Broussard.  She was faithful in daily praying the rosary.  
Wanda’s hobbies were working in her yard and cooking.  She had a passion for pulling weeds and raking leaves.  She spent many years working in retail and loved interacting with customers. 
Wanda will be fondly remembered by her family for being accepting, her wonderful cooking and sharing of that passion through sharing recipes and cooking for us every Sunday, being so welcoming of her children's spouses, accepting of everyone as they are and her passion for life, caring and service of others.  She cared for and welcomed all her children’s friends, sharing her love and cooking with all of them as well.  She had such deep relationships with her children, grand (and great-grand) children and her friends.  She never went any place where she didn't know someone and stopped to ask about how they and their families were doing.  She will be deeply missed by her family, her and her children’s friends.
She always put others' needs ahead of her own and until the day she died, she continued to pursue peace and harmony in the family and to ensure we always had food to eat (there were always pretzels, orange slices, chocolate, and muffins on her countertop and even a cup of Café Francais).  We think she believed that showing us how much she loved us through her actions and selfless behaviors, acceptance, and words, that we would be a much stronger and loving family. We all knew that her love and caring was unconditional, and she served as such a strong role model for all her family and friends.
Wanda was blessed with a long life and was 25 days short of 96 years old when she died.  She was surrounded by family when she died.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 12:15 p.m.
The family would like to thank those that helped care for Wanda up until her last day. Special thanks to Brandy for loving and caring for our mother like she was her own.  Thanks to Cathy, Beatriz, Connie, Enola, and Natalie for your special touch and ensuring Wanda and her children had peace of mind over Wanda’s last few years.  Thank you to Sister Janet LeBlanc and Lee Anna Hebert for being Wanda’s cherished friends.  Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take great comfort in her strong relationship with our Lord and Savior. We know she is in God’s faithful hands now.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Wilma Rae
Bourque Landry

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Wilma Rae Bourque Landry at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milton. Wilma entered eternal rest, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on, Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the age of 90.
The family requests that visitation be observed on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will continue Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 8 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Martin & Castille’s SOUTHSIDE Location.
Entombment will be held in St. Joseph Mausoleum.
Reverend William Schambough, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will serve as Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and Reverend Louis J. Richard, Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, will Con-Celebrate the Mass and Lay Minister will be Sister Carmelita Latiolais.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Khaki Toups and husband Robby of Canton, TX, Lisa Broussard and husband Toby of Milton, and Rachelle Rue of Bastrop, TX; her son, Robert D. Landry and wife Dawn of Monroe. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Leah Toups of Canton, TX; Lindsey Sarangoulis (Chris) of Catonsville, MD; Mark Toups of Austin, TX; Miles Rue, Franklin, TX; Kelsey Rue, Bastrop, TX; Mason Broussard (Emily), Youngsville; Griffin Broussard, Greenville, SC; Cole Landry and Jackson Landry, Baton Rouge and five great grandchildren William Robley, Catherine Rae and Anna Grace Sarangoulis, Landry Faye Marie White, Camille Louise Broussard, Cheznee Jean Rue, her bonus great-grandchild, Conlee Kay Evans and special family friend Willie Mae Walker; Sisters-in-law Frances Landry, Audrey Carroll (Johnny), and Elaine Larcade-Bourque; brother-in-law, Larry Landry and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rae was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Herman “Tully” Landry; her parents, Regina Girouard Bourque and Llewellyn L. Bourque, her only brother Russell L. Bourque, her father in-law and mother in-law, J.V. Landry, Sr. and Edia Prejean Landry; in-laws, Lula Guilbeau, Dot Collins (Tommy), Mary Lou (Buttercup), J.V. “Umbe” Landry (Luby), Aston Ray “Naunchie” Landry (Myrtis). Three nephews Michael Landry, Glen Guilbeau, and Keith Collins, and two nieces, Mary “Cookie” Sanner, and Alyssa Boudreaux.
Wilma Rae, a native of Milton, graduated from Milton High School and earned a degree from SLI in Home Economics. She began her career as a Home Ec Teacher at Church Point High School, taught at Youngsville High School, Milton High School and completed her teaching career at Ovey Comeaux High School.
She had a passion for preparation and presentation of foods which led to her catering business of twenty-five years. Also, she was passionate about collectables, home décor, antiques and flower gardening. She enjoyed a challenging crossword puzzle, a competitive game of Scrabble and craft projects for family and friends.
She was a member of Le Papilion Theresians; St. Joseph Ladies’ Altar Society; Acadiana Women; and enjoyed monthly luncheons with Comeaux High School Retired Teachers.
Wilma was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She cherished her faith, always beginning her day by attending Daily Mass in Milton or watching a live stream on her laptop and in constant prayer for her family.
Wilma, affectionately known as “Mom”, “MaMa”, “Nan Rae”, “Aunt Rae”, “Mrs. Landry”, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She fulfilled her assignment from God by setting an example for her family through her wisdom, prayers and her actions.
Upholding the honor of pallbearers will be Mark Toups, Miles Rue, Mason Broussard, Griffin Broussard, Cole Landry, Jackson Landry, SGM Christopher Sarangoulis, and Dr. Mitchell Bourque. Honorary Pallbearers will be Toby Broussard, Robby Toups, and Scott Bourque.
Liturgical readings by Leah Toups, Lindsey Sarangoulis, and Kelsey Rue. Musical Selections for the service will be sung by Karen Broussard,”J’irai la Voir un Jour”, “Ave Maria”, “Pie Jesu” and “Amazing Grace”. Giftbearers will be her great-grandchildren, Will, Cate, Anna, Camille, Landry, Cheznee and Conlee.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to Donna Bodin, Lisa Chargois, Ann Perro and Willie Mae Walker for their compassionate care given to our mother in her time of need. Also, a very special thanks to family and close friends, Claudette Cason, Camille Claiborne, Edith Guidroz, Sister Carm Latiolais, Christine and Mike Shauberger and Mom’s Theresian Sisters.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Wilma Rae Landry’s name to Hospice of Acadiana, https://hospiceacadiana.com or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Milton, LA.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811.

Weldon Granger, an Erath High graduate, and his 10 siblings witnessed their father, Willis, tirelessly provide for and raise their family despite having only one functioning eye. Willis tragically lost sight in his left eye at the young age of 18 when a stray piece of metal from a lawnmower struck him in the eye.
Willis was also a World War II veteran.
Witnessing his father cope with the challenge of having only one eye had a profound impact on Granger.
Before retiring, Granger became a successful attorney in Houston and represented the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers as one of his clients.
While working with them, he learned about Guide Dogs of America, a non-profit organization that provides guide dogs to visually impaired individuals over the age of 18, veterans, and children with autism.
The organization was founded in 1948 after Joseph Jones, a retired member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, needed a guide dog.
Granger and his sons, Jason and John, have been involved with Guide Dogs of America for more than 35 years.
During the annual fundraisers of Guide Dogs of America, the Granger family have been honored for their contributions to the organization.
Recently, they donated $2 million to aid the cause.
Weldon Granger, who is also a board member of the organization, stated that their family understands how crucial it is for people in need of seeing eye dogs, who cannot afford it, to have access to them.
The organization estimates that it costs $60,000 to train a seeing eye dog, produce a dog companion, train the team, and offer follow-up services. It is worth noting that all service dogs are provided free of charge.
The Granger family is known for their charitable donations.
Weldon and his late wife, Fran, were actively involved in supporting various organizations, including tuition assistance for high school education, Dress for Success Organization, Bridges to Life (a prison ministry based out of Houston), and MD Anderson Hospital and St. Jude’s Hospital.
Granger, who is the son of the late Willis and Edith Granger of Erath, is one of 11 siblings who have succeeded and always remembered their humble beginnings.

VERMILION PARISH – Shortly before 8:30 p.m., on December 31, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 82 near Lulu Road.
The crash claimed the life of 40-year-old Jakima Morrissey of Lafayette.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed the crash occurred as Morrissey was driving a 2023 Audi passenger car west on LA 82. The Audi exited the roadway to the right for reasons still under investigation. Upon doing so, the Audi struck a tree and became engulfed in flames.
Morrissey was unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office.
Impairment is unknown, and a toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
As we look back on 2023, we remember the 62 people who died in motor vehicle crashes. Sixty-two people who had plans for the next day. Sixty-two people whose families now mourn the loss of their loved one. The most difficult part of law enforcement is making a death notification. Sixty-two times, Troopers had to break the tragic news to unsuspecting families that their life is now forever changed. Unfortunately, a majority of the 62 were not restrained; many of the 62 died as a result of impairment. Please do not be a statistic in 2024. Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists always to make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, tired, or distracted; always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. Louisiana State Police wish everyone a safe 2024.
Troop I has investigated 57 fatal crashes, resulting in 62 deaths in 2023.