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Steps to Heaven began in Vermilion Parish in 2015 as a way to help families in crisis.
Volunteers with the non-profit organization sew and provide families with NICU day gowns, receiving blankets, crocheted caps as well as infant burial remembrances, such as a pocket blanket set, burial gown set, keepsake pillow and the Holy Land Stone angel.
As a worldwide crisis has now impacted so many, Steps to Heaven has adjusted its response.
Since the onset of COVID-19 (coronavirus) spreading, Steps to Heaven has created and distributed more than 1,000 mask to doctors, nurses and others on the frontline of the pandemic.
“We began sewing fabric masks free of charge three weeks ago,” Steps to Heaven’s Phyllis Berberich said Tuesday morning. “We are giving them to anyone who contacts Steps to Heaven.
“I have lost count because we have been so busy trying to get as many out as we can.”
Anyone in need of a mask can contact the non-profit organization at stepstoheaven102@gmail.com.
Berberich said masks have been delivered to Abbeville General, Abrom Kaplan Memorial, Lafayette General, Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center and other local medical facilities in the area. Berberich said the Alexandria VA Medical System Hospital in Pineville has even reached out.
“One of our volunteers has a family member in the Navy in San Diego,” Berberich said. “We sent some masks to California yesterday.”
There are around 50 volunteers involved in making the masks.
“Women are sewing at home and distributing to those who need them in their communities,” Berberich said.
Depending on where the masks are needed, volunteers are making proper adjustments.
“We are sewing masks with either two or three layers,” Berberich explained. “Some of the medical facilities have asked for an extra layer to filter. Their staff is coming in contact with the general public, as opposed to being limited to an office.
“We are trying to provide whatever the needs are in our community.”
Steps to Heaven’s current mission doesn’t mean that its original one is being ignored.
“I delivered NICU gowns last week to two hospitals we service,” Berberich said. “We did it so the babies will have the gowns they need for Easter. We also delivered bereavement items.
“We still have some of our seamstresses sewing bereavement items and day gowns.”
There are volunteers who do not sew who are cutting material to help save time, allowing seamstresses to keep up with the demand for masks.
All materials being used are donated. Berberich said support in that regard has always been great.
“Our fabric and all of our supplies have been donated by our supporters,” Berberich said. “Our supporters have been very generous in providing supplies that we need. Some have made monetary donations so that we can go out and purchase what we need.”
Anyone who would like to donate can contact Berberich through email (stepstoheaven102@gmail.com).
In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Stay-At-Home order has been extended through April 30. There have been signs that social distancing and other measures are helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Masks can be a good tool, and Steps to Heaven will continue to help provide those free of charge.
“We are going to do this as long as it is needed,” Berberich said. “This is a new ministry that God is taking us on. Steps to Heaven is a ministry that services families in crisis. That’s how our ministry began. At this time, our whole country is in a crisis.
“That’s why we have shifted our gears to help families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.”

August 1, 1960 ~ April 12, 2020

ABBEVILLE—Graveside services were held honoring the life of Michael Mark Devalcourt, 59, who died Sunday, April 12, 2020 at Abbeville General Hospital.
Pallbearers were Kyle Choate, Jeramie Roberts, Kevin Devalcourt, John Ford, Jim Broussard and Scott Harrington.
Honorary pallbearers were Ramzy Devalcourt and John “Butch” Hollier.
Mike was an avid sportsman and loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a kind and loving soul that would light up any room, he was always the life of the party, and had an infectious smile.
Mike is survived by his wife of 9 years, Tara H. Devalcourt; mother, Jeanne Devalcourt; two sons, Kyle Choate and his wife Emily, and Ramzy Devalcourt; step-son, Jonathan Harrington; two daughters, Courtney D. Roberts and her husband, Jeramie, and Alaine D. Ford and her husband John; step-daughter, Melanie Dubose; brother, Kevin Devalcourt; sister, Stephanie Marinari; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. John Devalcourt; and brother, John David Devalcourt.
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.

October 7, 1943 ~ March 27, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Theodore “Teddy” LeMaire passed away peacefully at the age of 76 at Lafayette General Medical Center, after a courageous ten year battle with histoplasmosis and kidney failure.
Born October 7, 1943 in New Iberia, Louisiana to the late John Lee LeMaire, Sr. and Ozia LeBlanc LeMaire. He was the youngest of seven children. Teddy attended Catholic High in New Iberia, and was a graduate of Delcambre High School where he lettered in football and track. He remained very close to many of his classmates until his death. He was also a huge LSU Tiger fan and never missed watching his favorite New Orleans Saints.
He always had a smile and made everyone feel better for knowing him. He loved his family and friends and will be missed by so many and remembered for lifetimes. His family and friends knew him as a kind, loving, and gentle man. He and his wife shared a love beyond measure. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and inspiration.
Teddy is survived by his wife, Barbara Gayle LeMaire; and his stepdaughter, Lisa Ann Lebersat, whom he thought of as his own daughter. Dear to his heart were his two grandchildren, Brooks Bertrand and his wife, Darian, whom he regarded as his granddaughter of Lake Charles and Barrett Bertrand of Austin, Texas. Always supportive, always encouraging, they gave him such joy and he was so proud of them. The boys affectionately called him “Pop” and so did their friends. The love of his life were his two great grandsons, Damon Paul Bertrand of Lake Charles and Remey Michael Bertrand of Lake Charles. He is also survived by one brother, Evans LeMaire and his wife, Jackie of Delcambre; one sister-in-law, Ethel “Tot” LeMaire of Sulphur; and many loving and devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Lee LeMaire, Sr. and Ozia LeBlanc LeMaire; his stepson, Gerald “Yak” Libersat, Jr., who he regarded as his own; his sisters and brother-in-laws, Yoland and Jack Moss, Loucinda and Joseph Dubois, and Mary Lynn and Norman Richard; his brother, John Lee LeMaire, Jr.; and brother and sister-in-law, Olan and Marie LeMaire.
On behalf of Teddy’s family, heartfelt and grateful appreciation is given to the many physicians and healthcare professionals who have given exceptional and compassionate care for many years. They are extremely thankful for the family of Lafayette General Medical Center, the physicians and nurses of the 7th floor Intensive Care Unit, the 5th floor Intensive Care Unit, the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, and the 6th floor team of physicians, nurses, aides, and staff members for their kindness and compassion towards Teddy and Barbara. Grateful appreciation also for his kidney specialists, Dr. A. Gupta, Dr. J. Zeik, Dr. M. Lamarche, and Dr. O.K., and appreciation and love to Father Paul Broussard.
Due to the covid-19 health crisis, all religious and burial services will be held at a later date through St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Abbeville.
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.

DELCAMBRE — PRIVATE GRAVESIDE will be held for Edmond Robert Broussard, Sr., age 99, at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A native and resident of Delcambre, Mr. Broussard passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Abbeville General Hospital.
Mr. Broussard served his country honorably in the Unites States Coast Guard. He was a shrimper prior to owning the Ice House in Delcambre for many years.
He enjoyed working with his horse “Bob Acre Doc”, a world champion cutting horse and loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, Robbie Broussard and wife Darlene of Delcambre; two daughter, Peggy Broussard of Delcambre and Bonnie Hebert and husband Kenneth of Henry; one brother, Herman Broussard and wife Leona of Delcambre; his sister in law, Nettie Broussard of Henry; four grandchildren, Craig Hebert and wife Wendy; Chuck Hebert and wife Jackie; Amy Schexnayder and Racheal Close and husband Doug; and nine great grandchildren, Gage Hebert, Hannah Hebert, Riley Hebert, Blake Hebert, Barrett Hebert, Caroline Close, Amelia Close, Kennedy Breaux and Addison Bodin.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Eta LeBlanc Broussard; parents, Ignaces and Azema Migues Broussard, and three brothers, Jimmy Broussard, Kern Broussard and Wayne Broussard.
The family would like to thank his care takers, Verian Broussard and Rachelle Demette and the staff of Abbeville General Hospital for all of their wonderful support and care.
To view the on-line obituary, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.