June LeBlanc Voorhies

New Iberia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for June LeBlanc Voorhies, who passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery.

Rev. Keith Landry will be the Celebrant. The readings will be proclaimed by Donald Voorhies and Mary Pesson. Gift Bearers include Camille Simar, Kelly Simar and Brittany Segura.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Pellerin Funeral Home, and will continue Wednesday from 11:00 am until 1:15 pm.

A rosary, led by Deacon Patrick Burke, will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Tuesday.

A resident of New Iberia, Mrs. Voorhies was born on June 21, 1937, in Jeanerette, to the late Bernard C. LeBlanc and Elaine Marie Kelly, and was a graduate of Jeanerette High School. In 1962, she became a widow at the young age of 25, when her first husband, Edward Joseph Bonvillain, passed away while she was pregnant with their third child. Two years later, she married Dr. Cornelius Voorhies Jr., and had 3 more children. Together, they raised and nurtured their six children in a loving family household.  They were married for 42 years until his death in 2006, living in New Iberia and spending many weekends at Cypremort Point, which was like their second home. There she enjoyed fishing, but most of all spending time with her family. And yes, she could out fish all of them.

After her children were grown, Mrs. Voorhies pursued and earned her floral license. She then opened a floral business in Jeanerette. She was a devout Catholic and was very active in her church and in the community. A member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, she taught Catechism and was a member the Bereavement Committee.

Mrs.Voorhies was always active in all social and civic events. In addition to being an avid bridge player, Mrs. Voorhies was a member of Fortnightly VII, the Sewing Club, and the Monday Widow Supper Club. Most importantly, she had a continued commitment to her old friends and a passion to meet and make new ones.  Through these new friendships, she met Cecil Gauthier, who became a dear companion.  They married in 2012 and enjoyed each other’s company and traveling until his passing.

Mrs. Voorhies persevered and stayed strong through many tragedies and heartaches. Her strong faith in God and perpetual positive attitude propelled her to graciously accept her losses. She continued to live life to the fullest, nurture her friendships and care for her family.

Survivors include her children, Stacie B. Copell, Drew Bonvillain (fiance’ Yvette Mouret), Edie Bonvillain, Jean Voorhies Boudreaux (Kim), and Cornelius P. “Neil” Voorhies, III (Shauna); grandchildren, Brittany C. Segura (Donald), Rhett Bonvillain, Bryce Bonvillain, Lance Bonvillain, Camille Simar, Kelly Simar, Brandon Boudreaux, Nicholas Boudreaux, Grant Peterson (Brea), Austin Peterson (Alexa) and Connor Voorhies; six great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Faye Parsley (Vernon); and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Mrs. Voorhies was preceded in death by a son, Jerry “JV” Joseph Voorhies; a granddaughter, Bridget Ann Copell; a grandson, Garrett Peterson; and brothers, Barry Bernard LeBlanc and Johnny Joseph LeBlanc.

The family would like to give special thanks to Carla Lewis, who was a loving caregiver, June’s best friend, and is considered to be a cherished family member. They would also like to thank the many other caregivers, including Mary Beth Derouen and Bonnie Huval, for the extra ordinary care and compassion given to Mrs. Voorhies.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Catholic High School, 1301 DeLaSalle Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Boudreaux, Ty LeBlanc, Bernard LeBlanc, Austen Peterson, Jon Parsley, and Donald Segura.

Honorary pallbearers include Donald “Doc” Voorhies, Connor Voorhies, Rhett Bonvillain, Bryce Bonvillain, Lance Bonvillain, and Brandon Boudreaux.