Mary Jocelyn Richard

Erath - A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Jocelyn Richard, age 86, will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Bill Melancon officiating. A rosary will be recited at the church at 12:30 p.m. Internment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Mausoleum. Mrs. Richard passed away in her home in Erath on Wednesday, June 10, 2015. She was born to Laurent Landry and the former Una Girouard on April 27, 1929.

Mary Joyce was a Girl Scout leader in Port Sulphur, LA and was instrumental in starting the Girl Scouts in Erath. She taught religion in Port Sulphur and again at Mt. Carmel in Abbeville for five years. Upon developing an interest in crocheting in the early 1970’s, she turned that talent into many cherished gifts. Eventually, Mrs. Richard opened up a shop in her home from which she sold supplies and taught lessons.

In 1979 she attended her first art lesson. She took that talent and created many beautiful paintings which adorn many people’s homes and offices. She also began teaching lessons and developed some very dear friends through those times.

Mary Joyce leaves behind two daughters, Madelyn (Donald) Gallagher, Pamela (Johnny) Thibodeaux, and one son, Mark Richard and companion Maureen. Granny is also survived by six grandchildren: Donny (Denise) Gallagher, Scotty Gallagher and companion Colleen, Richie (Lisa) Thibodeaux, Jan (Jonathan) Bouillion, Micah Thibodeaux and companion Amy, and Andrew Richard and companion KK. Mary and husband Buck also adored their seven great-grandchildren: Zooey, Ollie, and Miles Gallagher; Christian and Gavin Thibodeaux; and Ali and Brooks Bouillion.

Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Antoine Wiley “Buck” Richard, her sisters Alice Sonnier, Velta Landry, Eva Dell Estilette, and her brothers Cleveland, T-Will, and Pierre “C.D.” Landry.

Some special people to Mary Joyce who deserve mentioning include her art “students” in Erath: Sue Butaud, Prescilla Menard, and Betty Duplachante. The comfort they provided her in her later years was immeasurable.

Her house keeper in the last few months was much more than that. Myra Toups was a life-long friend of Pam and the family, but she became a frequent visitor at other times... even being there at length on her last day.

Her physician for many years was her son-in-law, Dr. John Thibodeaux. Johnny took his pre-office time, his lunch time, his after-office time, his weekend time, and holiday time to see that Mary got the best of care. The rest of the family is very grateful for his constant love and compassion.

Finally, Mary Joyce adored her constant companion and beloved dog, Paco. He entered her life some seven years ago and was faithfully there by her side until the end.

Pallbearers will be Richie Thibodeaux, Donny Gallagher, Scotty Gallagher, Micah Thibodeaux, Jonathan Bouillion, and Andrew Richard.

You may sign the guest register book and express condolences onli8ne at www.davidfuneralhome.org.

David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements. 209 East Putnam, Erath 70533. (337) 937-0405.