Jacob Gerard Viator

New Iberia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in New Iberia for Jacob Gerard Viator, 18, who passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019, in New Iberia. Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery. Rev. Mark Derise will be the Celebrant. Rev. Garrett Savoie and Rev. Aaron Melancon will be Con-Celebrants. A gathering of family and friends will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 2:00 pm Wednesday. On June 1st, 2001 a little saint brought many blessings to the family of Durk and Heidi Viator of New Iberia. The 7th of 9 children, Jacob Gerard Viator could be defined as a pure and perfect soul. He brought so much joy and love to his family that has bounded them together to grow deep in their faith and closer to one another. He was the light that guided his family to know and trust our Lord ever so fervently. Before leaving this earth, Jacob’s family and close friends celebrated his life on the eve of his birthday with a holy Mass in their home. On this same special day, Jacob received the seal of the Holy Spirit as he received the sacrament of Confirmation. Exactly 18 years after his entrance into this world, through God’s divine will and providence, Jacob ran into the arms of our Heavenly Father, on Saturday, June 1st, 2019. He passed beautifully and peacefully surrounded by his loving parents, siblings, and friends. Enveloped in prayer, he took his last breath to end his earthly journey. He enjoyed so many of the little things in life! He loved listening to classical music, hearing his nieces and nephews make commotion, but above all, his favorite pastime was spending time with his best friend, his dad, in his room. Jacob’s many physical limitations would grant so many graces and blessings to his family and loved ones. From doctors and nurses who cared for Jacob to the littlest of children, the pure love he exuded left indelible marks on so many hearts. Though a young man who could not physically speak, his life and spirit spoke volumes to all those that he came into contact with. Everyone took a little piece of him wherever they went after meeting him. Those who knew Jacob, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his loving parents, Durk and Heidi Gielen Viator of New Iberia; siblings, Regan Viator Lormand and spouse Blaine of Crowley, Jordan Viator and spouse Elizabeth of New Iberia, Christian Viator and spouse Lacey of Parks, Katherine Viator Broussard and spouse Reid of New Iberia, Anne Claire Viator of New Iberia, Joshua Viator of New Iberia, Mary Grace Viator of New Iberia, and Juliette Viator of New Iberia; maternal grandmother, Peggy Angelle Gielen of Lafayette; paternal grandparents, Malcolm and Linda Bonin Viator of New Iberia; nieces and nephews, Amalie Lormand; Hudson Lormand, Eli Lormand, Sebastian Viator, Lucy Viator, Boston Viator, Dani Ann Viator, Ahna Leigh Viator, and Elliot Viator; his great godmother Tina Hebert; and numerous, aunts, uncles and cousins. Special acknowledgement for his Nonna, Donna Borel who was his first and lifelong caretaker that became a part of our family along the way. No amount of words can express the gratitude for the amount of love and compassion she gave to Jacob; Russ Gary and Lorna Rost, his nurses who devoted so much of their time and energy to our sweet Jacob. Their tireless love and devotion are greatly appreciated. Additionally, special thanks to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans for such special care over Jacob’s 18 years of life, Dr. Jude Bares, Suzy Broussard, NP and staff as well as Heart of Hospice for their special treatment of Jacob. We are so grateful for the kindness and love showered upon Jacob. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Dan Gielen; and cousin, Juliana Gerami. Honored to be pallbearers are his 8 brothers and sisters. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337-365-3331 is in charge of the arrangements.