Cecile Beyt

New Iberia ;- A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, on Friday, September 12, 2008, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Iberia, for Cecile "Mac" Beyt, 90, who passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2008 in New Iberia. ; Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville. Rev. Ed Degeyter will be the Celebrant. Readers will be Lauren Molbert and Jaimie Molbert. Gift Bearers include Molly Molbert and Becky Wassell. ; Mac was born on March 11, 1918 in New York, New York. Her mother died when she was 3 years old and growing up she was greatly influenced by her two aunts, Sr. Rosarri and Sr. Cyril, Irish immigrant nuns. They instilled into her a hard work ethic, the fact that there was only one way to do things and that was the right way and the need to serve others. When World War II broke out, Mac volunteered for service with the Red Cross and was sent to the South Pacific. While there, she met her future husband, Dr. John "Putsy" Beyt and after the war, they were married. It wasn't easy, but she made the transition from New York to Louisiana. In time Mac became known for her culinary skills and the ability to throw a gourmet meal together at the drop of a hat. They were married for almost 50 years and had 4 children. Always feeling the need to be involved and help others, over the years, Mac was a driving force in many projects in New Iberia. She helped organize the St. Peter's College-Catholic High Holly Mart, worked hard to promote the Shadows on the Teche, and was a dedicated Pink Lady at Dauterive Hospital. She was the rock for many of her friends and neighbors during their trying times and was always there to lend a helping hand. She was an avid golfer and tennis player in her earlier years. During her later years Mac became a Life Master Bridge player and participated in duplicate tournaments around the country. A true patriot Mac was personally touched by the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center by the loss of her nephew Matthew McDermott. In January of this year, one of her last personal accomplishments was to pull it all together and make an "Honor Air" trip to Washington D.C. to the World War II memorial, a trip that made her truly proud to be an American. ; Mac is survived by her children, Dr. John L. Beyt, III and his wife Jill of New Iberia, Sheila B. Molbert and husband David of New Iberia, Bob Beyt and wife Dena of New Iberia; brother, Jack McDermott of Orlando, Florida; sister, Maureen Rohde of Boulder, Colorado; 7 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren. ; She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Julia Frederick McDermott; her son, James Hedges Beyt; and her husband, Dr. John L. Beyt, Jr. ; Pallbearers include Sammy Broussard, Jr., Stewart Shea, Bert Beyt, Scott Beyt, Brian Beyt, Jeremy Beyt, and Chip Beyt. ; The family wishes to thank all of those who helped to make Mac comfortable in her last months, Gussie, Maxine, Shirley, Chicken, and her long time friend Molly. They have endured a real life experience of "Driving Miss Daisy". ; A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday from 4:30 PM until 9:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM Thursday. Visitation will continue Friday from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM. ; Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, Catholic High Endowment Fund, or Friends of Shadows of the Teche. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements.