Janice L. Benoit

New Iberia - The Benoit Family announces the passing of their courageous matriarch, Janice Long Benoit, on December 15, 2024, at age 91. She was born in the farming community of Plattsmouth, Nebraska on December 21, 1932. A long term Iberia Parish resident, she resided in Bluffton, SC since 2018. 

She attended public school in the rural area, and graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 1949. Janice returned to the “one room” schoolhouse of her childhood, and taught grades 1-8 for two years. In 1951, she entered Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha, NE. She completed the college in 1954, earning a diploma registered nurse (RN). 

Robert W. Benoit met Janice Long soon after her graduation, and after a long distance courtship, they were married December 29, 1954. The couple made Lafayette, La their home until 1956. During this time, Janice worked at Our Lady of Lake Hospital, and later as office nurse for Dr. Harold Chastant. The next ten years Robert and Janice made their home in Bellevue, Ne, returning to New Iberia, La. in June, 1966. 

 Janice was an instructor of Practical Nursing for 19 years at Teche Area Vocational-Technical School in New Iberia. Retiring in 1989, Janice stayed active as a volunteer at both Dauterive Hospital and Iberia Medical Center until 2018. She recently had celebrated her 70th Anniversary from graduation at the Nebraska Methodist College, “Class of 1954”. 

Janice loved to be of service to people within the community. She was an active member of Women’s Club of New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche as docent, and Iberia Visitor’s Bureau. She especially liked serving as a member of United Methodist Women, unique restoration projects, and UMCOR disaster relief and preparation. 

Traveling to destinations throughout North America, Mexico and Europe, fulfilled lifelong wishes. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, baking, entertaining, and photography with her beloved husband, Bob, for many years until his passing in 2001. Afterward, travel with close friends, family, and at times, solo was a passion. Janice loved to read, and was particularly fond of forensics novels and crime stories, the more macabre, the better. She considered her innate ability to “always get along well with people” her finest asset, coupled with her bright smile.

In addition to her parents, Paul and Edna Long, she was predeceased by two sisters, Donna Rae, and Mary Jane Long; and brother, Donald P. Long. Janice mourned the losses of her husband of 46 years, Robert W. “Bob” Benoit; daughter Mary Beth McNear; and son, Robert W. Benoit, Jr.

Janice is survived by daughters, Paula B. Power (Ron) of Bluffton, SC, and Laura B. Coles (John) of St. Petersburg, FL. She rejoiced in the company of her eight grandchildren, Ian, Erin, Natalie, and Adair McNear (Mary Beth McNear children); Haesel Edgerly (Paula B. Power child); Robert Garrett Benoit, and Jesse P Benoit (Robert Benoit children); Helena J. Dominick (Laura B. Coles child); great grandchildren, Kinsley Rae, and Beau G. Benoit; very special nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A memorial service is being planned for March 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of New Iberia Community Meal Fund, 119 Jefferson St, New Iberia, La 70560; or St. Francis Diner, 1201 S. Hopkins St., New Iberia, LA 70560. 

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