Cynthia Marie Benoit

New Iberia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at St. Edward Catholic Church in New Iberia, for Cynthia Marie Benoit, 59, who passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, following a brief illness. . A gathering of family and friends will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia from 8:00 am until 10:15 am on Saturday. A rosary will be prayed at 9:00 am. Rev. Thomas Vu will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Edward Cemetery in New Iberia. Cynthia Marie Armstead Benoit was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on December 7, 1958 to the late Alvin Armstead Sr. and Cecile Williams Armstead. She graduated from New Iberia Senior High School, and worked for the State of Louisiana as a caregiver in the foster care system for over 30 years, having cared for over 125 children. She had a gift for helping the ones who failed to thrive, and gave them wings to soar. She was a licensed caterer and baker, and specialized in wedding cakes. Cynthia's life is a legacy of love, nurturing, protecting, and giving unconditionally. These things illuminated from her life along each and every step of her journey. Those that were most fortunate to be a part of her life, and even those who encountered her briefly, were recipients of and can attest to her love of God, love of family, and her love of life. In addition, Cynthia added a heaping portion of laughter to this world. When she laughed she laughed from her soul because her eyes would sparkle and her smile brightened the world and those around her. When God gave out portions of love, we can only imagine that she said; "Lord, may I have another portion please?" And if one had to choose one word to describe Cynthia, that word would simply be love. Her love was felt in her touch, in her voice, in her hugs, in cooking, in her baking and in her life's walk. She was devoted and loyal to her family and friends. If one was in need, she would not hesitate to give her last. Her love of God manifested itself through the life she lived and everyone she encountered. A phenomenal woman who heeded God's call, Cynthia was a loving mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to be in her presence. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her daughters, Lisa Benoit Savoy and husband Brownell Savoy, Sr. of New Iberia, Brooklyn Benoit Broussard and husband Turnell Broussard of New Iberia, and Paula Herbert of New Iberia; son, Roshawn Benoit of New Iberia; step-mother, Betty Broussard of New Iberia; grandchildren, Lacie Savoy, Cameron Savoy, Braxton Savoy, Bakari Savoy, Braeden Haynes, Kennedy Benoit, Nadia Benoit, Roshawn Benoit, Jr., Jashawana Benoit, and Anna Herbert; sisters, Jane Armstead, Denise Armstead, Ashley Armstead, and Renee Scott and husband Eric; brothers, Alvin Armstead, Jr. and wife Mary, Chad Armstead and wife Iantha, and Graylin Armstead; and a host of relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Joseph Benoit, Sr.; infant son, Larry Joseph Benoit, Jr.; and a sister, Sylvia Armstead. Pallbearers will be Brian Armstead, Blake Armstead, Graylin Armstead, Chad Armstead, Lance Hankins, and Cory Copper. Honorary pallbearers are Brownell Savoy, Jr., Elston Touriac, Roshawn Benoit, Turnell Broussard, Alvin Armstead, Jr., and Eric Scott. Pellerin Funeral Home of New Iberia, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.