Gussie Delahoussaye

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial for Gussie Bonin Delahoussaye, 98, will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Msgr. Robert Bush, nephew of her deceased husband, Leo, officiating with the Reverends Edward Degeyter, Donald Pelous, Arthur Warren, and Donald Pousson con-celebrating. Reverend Donald Pelous will be the Homilist. Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge, beginning on Monday, March 4, 2013 from 4 pm until 8 pm with a recitation of the rosary at 7 pm. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 7 am until 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery Number 1. A native of New Iberia and a lifelong resident of Breaux Bridge, she died peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends at 2:15 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2013. Known as an icon and mentor in her community, Gussie was a generous soul who touched the lives of so many. As a devoted and accomplished gardener, florist, cook, homemaker, and collector, Gussie was known for her vigorous spirit and drive, and demanded perfection in all her various endeavors. With her knowledge, talent and passion for gardening and floristry, she received countless awards and attained the highest status in numerous clubs and organizations. She was the oldest active member in the St. Martin Garden Club, member of the Breaux Bridge Garden Club, a Life Member of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, District III Louisiana Garden Club Federation, and the Deep South Regional and National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. She sat on the Southwest Judges Council of Flower Shows for the State of Louisiana and attained the title of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judge. She was honored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation Circle of Roses in April 2001 for her seventy-five years of service. Also dedicated to her faith, her church and civic community, she was a respected and esteemed elder to many. Gussie was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the St. Bernard Church Altar Society, St. Bernard Rosary Group, Breaux Bridge Home Demonstration Club, the Galvez Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Louisiana and St. Martin Parish Volunteers for Family and Community and was honored by SMVFC in 2012 for her seventy-five years of service. Based on mutual support and a deep respect for one another, she had a loving and caring relationship with her husband, Leo, for 62 years. Together they undertook an active and influential role in the upbringing and guidance of their many nieces, nephews, and family members. The countless endearing renters, who became their 'children at heart,' remained affectionate and faithful long after they departed the kindred environment Leo and Gussie created for them. She is survived by her brothers; Alcide Bonin, Jr. and his wife, Elinor, of San Luis Obispo, Ca. and Sam Bonin and his wife, Lucy, of Cecilia, La., along with numerous adoring nieces and nephews, and countless great and great-great nieces and nephews, among them, her beloved Patricia Bush VanDeCapelle, who was like a daughter to her, along with Patricia's husband Van, of Spring, Texas. She is preceded in death by her mother, Arsene Agnes Breaux Bonin, her father Alcide Bonin, Sr., her step-mother Ida Chiasson Bonin, her husband Leo, her sister Lillian Bonin Simon, and two brothers, Alvin and Harry Bonin. Serving as pallbearers will be John Bonin, Robert Bonin, Luc Champagne, Ken Douet, Tom Guidry, David Ferran, and Michael Lindee. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of her St. Bernard Rosary Group: Gertie Angelle, Lucille Badeaux, Mickie Chitty, Lona Guidry, Beatrice Latiolais, Jeanette Perrio, Wildie Roberts, Cheryl Sonnier, Levie Sonnier, Rachel Stevens, and Del Trosclair. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her devoted and faithful neighbor, Luc Champagne and caregivers, Blanche Boudreaux and Otelia LeBlanc, for their compassion and service. Extended gratitude, as well to the countless family, friends and former renters who came from far and near, providing heartfelt comfort and support during her last days. Pellerin Funeral Home , 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337.332.2199), is in charge of arrangements.