Rachel Gremillion Broussard

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 7 at 11: 00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana for Rachel Gremillion Broussard, 58, born on September 30, 1957. After a courageous battle with cancer, Rachel went home to be with Jesus on March 26, 2016, surrounded by her family and friends at her own residence in Abbeville. (Rachel donated her body to Tulane Medical School.) The Church will be open at 9:30 a.m. for visitation. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at the church on the same day.
Rachel is survived by her devoted and loving husband of forty-two years, Jude Broussard of Abbeville. Rachel is the daughter of Cecil B. Gremillion and Beverlee Hollier Gremillion of Abbeville, Louisana. Both parents are deceased.
Rachel is survived by her children, Joshua Jude Broussard and his partner, Gino Loiacono and Jennifer Broussard Davis and her husband J. Cody Davis. Her five grandchildren will deeply miss their “Mimi” – Jillian Petry, Sophie Stephens, Charlotte, Marc, and Weston Davis.
Rachel is also survived by three brothers and one sister: Bruce Gremillion and his wife, Liz; Brian Gremillion and his wife, Connie; Jed Gremillion and his wife, Heidi and Genie Gremillion Summers and her husband, Frank. She is also survived by eighteen nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother: Robin Ryan Gremillion.
Rachel faced physical challenges in her life. She overcame so many obstacles usually encountered by those born with Spina Bifida. While she was told that marriage and family were not in her future, she had a beautiful marriage, two wonderful children, and five grandchildren that were the joy of her life. As a youth, she was a swimming instructor. Ever an animal lover, she was instrumental in setting up the first S.P.C.A. in Abbeville. She was a co-owner with her husband of Abbeville Flower and Gifts. Always with a zest for life, she kept busy with crafts and handiwork – needlepoint, cross-stitching, jewelry creation, and the latest craze, adult coloring. Rachel never knew a stranger, her ever present smile lit up the lives of all that she met. Her generosity to those in need of shelter, a hot meal, a shoulder to cry on, and words of spiritual encouragement accompanied by heartfelt prayer were her gift to all. She participated in missions, with trips to Family Missions Company’s base in General Cepeda, Mexico. She and Jude were regulars at the Wednesday night Mission Formation of FMC. She received her sacraments at St. Mary Magdalen where she was active in the Catholic Church.
She will be greatly missed by lifelong friends and relatives.