Rene Luke Broussard, Sr.

New Iberia - Surrounded by family, Rene Luke Broussard, Sr. was called to be home with his Heavenly Father on September 3, 2023. He was 89 years old and leaves behind a loving legacy with fond memories to be carried on by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia, LA. Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. Father Michael Keith Landry will be the Celebrant. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Pellerin Funeral Home. A rosary will be led by the ladies of Rose Mary’s rosary group at 11:00 am on Wednesday, at Pellerin Funeral Home.

Rene was born on November 16, 1933 to Rene Joseph Broussard and Lelia Gonsoulin Broussard. He was a 1951 graduate of St. Peter’s College and attended the University of Mississippi where he received his Pharmacy Degree in 1958. He met the love of his life, his “sweetheart”, Rose Mary Shipp in New Iberia before he left for pharmacy school. They were married for over 68 wonderful years.

Rene is survived by his wife Rose Mary and their children, Paulette Graugnard and her husband David, of New Iberia, Milissa Hebert and her husband Marcel of Sugarland, TX, Rene Broussard, Jr. and his wife Pam of Montgomery, TX, and Wiggy Broussard and her husband Lindy of New Iberia. Grandchildren include Emily Stephens, Natalie Himmel, Courtney Allis, Bevan Hebert, Joshua Hebert, Amanda Baca, Allie Broussard, Mason Broussard, Molly Germany, Jack Germany and 16 great grandchildren. His grandchildren and great grandchildren affectionately called him “Pops”, and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.

Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Rene and Lelia, infant daughter Minette Lelia Broussard, and brothers, Nat Broussard and Harvey Broussard, Sr. and son-in-law John L. Germany, Jr.

Rene opened Broussard’s Pharmacy immediately after graduating from Ole Miss. The store was an outlet for his creative marketing skills as he was a pioneer in some of New Iberia’s first goods and services including next-day film developing, Ray-Ban sunglasses, home-brew supplies, passport photos and his guard snake Alice was always the talk of the store. Pop’s passion was sailing and fishing. He was a charter-member of the Cypremort Point Yacht Club. His fishing and culinary skills were legendary. If the specks were biting, you could probably find him trolling around the Cove in his Gheenoe. He was also an active member of New Iberia Jaycees and the Gulf Coast Conservation Association.

He retired in 2006 and never looked back while enjoying his passions – spending time with his children and grandchildren, sailing and fishing. His favorite pastime was taking adventuresome trips, especially those shared with his family. He never met a stranger while around town or on his many travels.

In spite of his health decline over the last few years, he never lost his sense of humor. He could still pivot to a joke even after not recalling a detail of ongoing conversation.

The family would like to give special thanks to Acadian Hospice, especially Madeline Rozas and Doriene Sherver. Also thanks to his care takers, Ann Fusilier, Brent Joseph, Sherry Nicholas and Charlene Schaubert. Another special thanks goes to Fouzia and Bobby Elkhanoufi for their unwavering support.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are his grandsons Bevan and Joshua Hebert, Mason Broussard, Jack Germany and great grandsons Cayden Hebert and Slade Stephens. Honorary pallbearers are his son-in-laws David Graugnard, Marcel Hebert and Lindy Broussard and his loyal friends Dr. G. D. Sagrera, Dr. Martin DeGravelle, Jr., Charlie Williams and Lou LeBlanc.

A sailor to the end, sail on Pops…

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making donations to: The Christian Brothers, St. Paul’s School, c/o Christian Brothers, 917 South Jahncke Ave., Covington, LA 70433, Acadian Hospice, 413 Travis St., Unit 100, Lafayette, LA 70508, or to The Sisters of Mt. Carmel, P.O. Box 476, Lacombe, LA 70445-0476

 Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560, (337.365.3331)