Mary Elaine Gary

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for Mary Elaine Bodin Gary, 70, who passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia.

Rev. Keith Landry will officiate.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday.

A rosary led by Deacon Durk Viator will be prayed at 11:00 am.

Mary Elaine Bodin Gary was born in Abbeville, Louisiana on May 10, 1954, to the late Howard Sr. and Irma Gary Bodin. A proud graduate who obtained her associate's degree in accounting, Mary dedicated her professional life to South Louisiana Community College (SLCC), where she retired after many years.

Known for her passion for reading, she could always be found with a book in hand, lost in the worlds crafted by her favorite authors. Her baking brought joy not only to herself but to all those fortunate enough to share in her scrumptious creations. Sewing was another of Mary’s cherished pastimes. With each stitch, she poured love into the fabrics, creating beautiful things that held special stories and warmth. But above all else, she cherished time spent with her family.

Mrs. Gary is survived by her children, Carmelite Leach (Lowell) of Abbeville, Joseph Gary, Jr. (Ashley) of New Iberia, and Mindy Meche (Randy) of Erath; grandchildren, Amber Migues (Matthew), Andie Gary (Blayde), Lanie Gary, Zodah Leach, Zedekiah Leach, Lisa Nicole DeMeyere (Wayne), Dustin Andrews (Karly), Kaylie Thibodeaux, and Karter Thibodeaux; great-grandchildren, Taylor Migues, Tyler DeMeyere, Caleb DeMeyere, and Avery Andrews; sisters, Theresa Hurston of Lafayette, Gloria Young of Baton Rouge, Linda Tullier (Mike) of New Iberia, and Tammy Scelfo (Paul) of Lafayette; and brother, Howard Bodin, Jr. of Coteau.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Gary, Sr.; grandson, Matthew Gary; daughter-in-law, Jenny Gary; son-in-law, Kimball Duplantis; and brother-in-law, Tony Young.

Pallbearers will be Lowell Leach, Joey Gary, Zedekiah Leach, Zodah Leach, George Bodin, and Paul Scelfo.

Honorary pallbearers are Howard Bodin, Jr., Mike Tullier, and Geald Gary, Sr.

As we reflect on Mary’s life, we hold dear the memories of her laughter, her delicious baked goods, and the warmth of her handmade creations. May she rest in peace.

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