Jeanette Doucet

Funeral services for Mrs. Marshall J. Doucet, the former Jeanette Pitre, will be held on Sunday, May 27th, 2007 at Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM The interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington. Msgr. Louis Melancon will conduct the services.

Mrs. Doucet, age 100 years, died at Prompt Succor Nursing Home Thursday morning, May 24, 2007. She was an Educator, Patriot, Humanitarian, Physical Fitness Advocate and one who lived by the Golden Rule and was nominated Citizen of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce January , 1989. Following her graduation from Southwest Louisiana Institute in Lafayette with a degree in Education and a minor in Physical Education, Mrs. Doucet began her teaching career in a two room schoolhouse in Whiteville. She also taught in several other schools in St. Landry Parish until her marriage. Her contract was not renewed, as married ladies were not employed as teachers by the School Board at that time. This policy was reversed the following year and she returned to the classroom. She was later assigned to W.B. Prescott Elementary School in Opelousas where she remained until her retirement. During her one year away from the classroom she served as Supervisor of Adult Education in St. Landry Parish. After being devoted to her profession, which she loved for 36 years, she retired in 1962. She was an active member of the St. Landry Parish Retired Teachers Association, and was Chairman of the outreach program. Mrs. Doucet joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in 1950, which provided an outlet for her energy and talents and helped to keep her active during her retirement. She served in many offices and chairmanships. In her capacity as Hospital Chairman, a position she held for over 20 years, she arranged visits to entertain patients at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Alexandria and the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson. She directed an auxiliary party monthly among the three nursing homes in our city and instituted a program of providing birthday cards and small personal gifts for all residents of the three homes. Mrs. Doucet was a patriot and a flag waver. She worked untiringly to promote patriotism, love for our country and respect for its flag to young and old. She visited every school in Opelousas with information providing all students with an opportunity to participate in patriotic poster and essay contests sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. During her visits to the nursing home, Mrs. Doucet realized the need to many of the residents, especially those confined to wheel-chairs, to have regular exercise, by designing and developing a fitness program for their special needs, and conducted exercise classes at nursing homes for those who were physically able to participate. She did not forget her patriotism as she began every class with the Pledge of Allegiance. She was involved with Peoples Program under the auspices of St. Landry Catholic Church. She and her committee members visited the ill and the lonely. Mrs. Doucet was active as a member of the Opelousas Cerebral Palsy Clinic Board. During her teaching career and in the golden years of her retirement, her compassion, understand, the joy she felt in helping others, was reflected in her bright smile and she will be remembered by hundreds of her former students with love. She has touched the lives of many area families, either directly or indirectly. She lived by the Golden Rule and is an inspiration to others. She was a member of St. Landry Catholic Church. The family would like to thank all the employees and care givers of Prompt Succor Nursing Home.

Donations may be made to Cerebral Palsy Clinic 841 E. Bellevue St., Opelousas La 70570, or V.F.W.Ladies Auxiliary Post 2483, co Ann Saucier, 2150 Church St. Opelousas La 70570.

Mrs. Doucet is survived by 1 step-son; Charles Roy Doucet of Grand Prairie and 1 step-daughter; Emma Lou Moory of Grand Prairie. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Laurent and Eran Lula Kimball Pitre, her husband; Marshall J. Doucet, 2 brothers; Lawrence Pitre and Floyd Pitre and a sister Olive P. Thoms.

Visitation will be observed on Saturday, May 26th, 2007 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and will continue on Sunday from 10:00AM until time of service. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00PM on Saturday.

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home on the Old Sunset Highway is in charge of the arrangements. Phone 337 942-2638.
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Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, May 26, 2007
5:00PM tp 8:00PM

Service

Funeral Home Chapel

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Sunday, May 27, 2007
2:00PM

Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery
715 West Vine Street
Washington, LA  70589

Memorial Contributions

Cerebral Palsy
841 E. Bellevue Street
Opelousas, LA  70570

VFW Post 2483
c/o Ann Saucier
Opelousas, LA  70570