Florentine T. Vogel

New Iberia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, for Florentine T. Vogel, 84, who died on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Azalea Estates following a lengthy illness. 

Rev. Keith Landry will be the Celebrant. 

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Friday from 4:30 pm until 9:00 pm, and will continue on Saturday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am. 

A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Friday, followed by a eulogy.

Florentine Theresa Vogel, the oldest child of Lawrence Charles and Philomena Stoffels Vogel, was born in Gainesville, Texas on June 8, 1940. The family home was in nearby Muenster. She married James R. Broussard, and together they have one son, Ruston Charles Broussard, who is a math teacher at Tampa Jesuit High. Ruston is married to Katie, and they have two sons, Andrew and Thomas. 

Flo dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of young minds. She was a Certified Librarian and Educator whose passion for teaching transcended generations. Over the span of more than forty years, she inspired countless students across Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to education. Her last assignment was at Westgate High School in New Iberia, where her warmth and wisdom were cherished by both students and faculty alike.

Flo’s academic accomplishments were commendable; she obtained two master's degrees that further equipped her to serve her community and enhance the educational landscape. But it was her approach to life that truly defined her character. A simple woman with immense heart, Flo had a deep-rooted love for plants and gardening. Together with her family, she farmed four acres of pecan and citrus orchards, tended a variety of vegetables, and cherished the rhythm of life that farming afforded them.

Her husband James would run the tractor while Flo worked diligently alongside him, planting and harvesting the fruits of their labor. They were proud contributors to the local farmer's markets and played a foundational role in establishing the Teche Farmers Market, a vibrant community connection that continues to flourish today. Their over twenty years in the truck farming business epitomized their dedication not only to agriculture but also to nurturing relationships with their neighbors and fellow farmers.

Mrs. Vogel is survived by her husband, James R. Broussard; son, Ruston Broussard (Katie); two grandsons, Andrew and Thomas Broussard; siblings, Shirley Tischler (Marvin) and Larry Vogel (Cathy); sisters-in-law, Linda and Carol Vogel; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Amy Boudoin, who provided great support to the family; she was an amazing caregiver and truly a saint. 

In addition to her parents, Flo was preceded in death by siblings, Irma Koelzer (and husband Ivan), David Vogel, Gene Vogel, and Karla Cunningham (and husband John). 

Pallbearers will be Joe Boudoin, Andrew Broussard, Ruston Broussard, Pat Caffery, Roland Derouen, and Bill Quinlan.

Flo’s legacy will be preserved in the lessons she imparted, the crops she nurtured, and the community she loved wholeheartedly. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).