Doris O. Decoux

Today we all gather in the name of my grandmother, Doris Oubre Decoux. In a collective spirit of both sadness and celebration. The sadness is because we will no longer have her presence to illuminate our lives. We will now only have the memory to cherish the legacy she gave us, a legacy that has touched each of us. Our gathering will also be a celebration of her life. She has allowed us all to have fuller, richer lives because she shared her time and herself with all of us. Her life was lived so well that we were all able to enjoy the comfort and kindness in the continual hospitality she extended to anyone in her company, be it in her home or at social events. Her soft conversation and genuine interest in anyone she encountered would always make one feel welcome and important. Her quiet personality and her poise and grace, would make one feel at ease and in good company. Her willingness to listen attentively to conversation would make you excited to share your stories and adventures, as well as a little gossip. Her life was characterized with talent she was willing to share with us to give us many joyful memories. Her skills in the kitchen have let us enjoy many delicious meals with a gracious hostess, whose company was as warm as the meals she served. These meals always ended with desserts that were as delectable as the meals before, even though sometimes the cakes were a little uneven. Her meals and company were not only nutrients for the body, but food for the soul. There were also all the tasty canned fruits and preserves she made that we could enjoy at home and remember the generous gifts of her culinary talents. Then there was the talent of sewing, creations of fashion that would make New York designers jealous. This gift was not only for creations, but she also had the ability to repair clothes in a way that would make them look better than when you first got them. We also cannot leave out her skills at taking plain, ordinary spaces and using her flair with flowers, decorations, and color to make it look like an interior decorator designed them. Her talents certainly brightened all of our lives. Her life also helped preserve a culture she was proud of and willing to share with others. From the stories she told of the past, to her work as a guide at the museum, and to her use of a language almost forgotten, she helped promote the Cajun French heritage. She would even do a little two-step or Cajun waltz, if Ned could convince her to get up and dance. In social Cajun French fashion, there was always coffee, cake, and conversation for any who desired her friendly company. A eulogy of her life would not be complete without a mention of her dedication to her faith. Her actions and support of her faith gave a shining example of how a Christian life should be lived. In Saint Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he says: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." My grandmother was patient, kind, humble, selfless, honest, and loving - a perfect example of what love is. So, it is with both sadness and celebration that we honor Doris Oubre Decoux all together on this very cold day, but with warm hearts because she touched OUR hearts and enriched our lives. Catahoula - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, January 19, 2018, at St. Rita Catholic Church in Catahoula for Doris O. Decoux, 89, who passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Landmark of Acadiana Nursing Home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the Dion Hall, 4452 Catahoula Hwy. (Hwy. 96), Catahoula, LA 70582, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Thursday, and continue on Friday at 9:00 am until 10:30 am. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm on Thursday. Eulogy will be read by Mark Decoux. Rev. Richard Fabre will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery in Catahoula. Doris was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed staying home with her children and baking after school treats for them when they came home each day. Doris also worked out of her home as a seamstress. After the children were out of school she started volunteering as a tour guide for Petite Paris Museum in St. Martinville. Doris was a faithful member of both St. Martin de Tours and St. Rita Catholic Church. She will be remembered for her love of baking, canning preserves, her passion for home-Ec, and how she always had a slice of cake and coffee for anyone who walked in the house. The family would like to thank all of her caregivers, Landmark of Acadiana, especially Lisa and Roy Romero and Bridgeway Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to Bridgeway Hospice (2014 Pinhook Rd, Ste. 604. Lafayette, La 70508) or to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). She is survived by her sons, Philip Decoux and wife Judith, Albert Decoux and wife Linda, and Alfred Decoux and wife Jennifer; her daughters, Kathryn Latiolais and husband Raleigh, and Patsy Millet and husband Terry; her brother, Allen Oubre, Sr.; her sister, Mildred "Penny" Langlinais; her brother in law, LeRoy Decoux; her sisters-in-law, Gladys and Barbara Oubre; her grandchildren, Amy LeBlanc, Jessica Latiolais, Mark Decoux, Rachel Agulliard, Jake Millet, Adele "Addie" Millet, and Courtney Bishop; her great-grandchildren, Blythe Agulliard, Elijah, Sawyer, Isabelle, and Alexander Millet, Timothy, Lalya, and Jackson Bishop; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Decoux; her parents, Otto and Louise Boutte Oubre; her stepmother, Lucille L. Oubre; her brothers, Murphy and Alton Oubre; and her granddaughter, Donna Louise Latiolais. Pallbearers will be Philip Decoux, Albert Decoux, Alfred Decoux, Matt LeBlanc, Philip Landry, and Buddy Oubre. Honorary pallbearers will be Lloyd Champagne and Glenn Judice. Pellerin Funeral Home, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.