Velma Bihm

Opelousas - Velma Bihm was a remarkable woman who embraced life with devotion and affection for her family. On November 23, 2023, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. 

Velma's love for her family was boundless. She treasured every moment spent with her loved ones and created precious memories that will endure throughout generations.

A woman of many passions, Velma found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her garden was a sanctuary where she nurtured beautiful flowers and plants, tending to them with care and devotion. Cooking and baking brought her immense satisfaction, as she delighted in creating delicious treats that brought smiles to the faces of her loved ones.

Velma’s warm personality attracted many friends throughout her life. Her gentle demeanor and compassionate heart endeared her to those who had the fortune of crossing paths with her. She will be remembered for her kind words, unconditional love, and unwavering support.

Velma’s departure from this world leaves a void that can never be filled. However, her memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind her sons, Charles Glynn Lanclos and his wife Rosie, of DeRidder, La., Tony Lanclos and his wife, Phyllis of Opelousas, La., and her daughters, Kathleen Marie Richard and her husband, Rickey of Opelousas, La. and Bonita Anna Lafleur of Breaux Bridge, La., along with 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.  In addition to her immediate family, Velma is survived by her sisters, Mary Anne Bellard of Carencro, La., and Lorena Anne Foster of Opelousas, La.

She was preceded in death by Louis L. Lanclos, the father of her children and her first husband; Percy J. Bihm became Velma's second husband later in life, adding another layer of happiness to her journey.  She was also preceded in death by her father, Gervis Leon Guidroz; her mother, Eulaie Moreau Lanclos; her brothers, Joseph Curley Guidroz, John Arthur Guidroz, Joseph Nolan Guidroz; her sisters, Marie Vallie G. Duffy, Nola Mae Guidroz, Thelma Anne Guidroz; her son-in-law, Doug Lafleur and her grandchild, Jamie Lanclos.

Today, as we bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose compassion knew no bounds, let us celebrate the beautiful life of Velma Bihm. May she rest in eternal peace knowing that she made an indelible mark on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

To honor Velma’s memory and celebrate her remarkable life, visitation services will take place in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited by Tim Richard on Sunday evening at 6:00 PM in the funeral home. Visitation will resume on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 27, 2023, at St. Landry Catholic Church with Father Neil Pettit officiating. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, La.

Pallbearers will be Tony Lanclos, Charles Glynn Lanclos, Dustin Ryan Richard, Daniel Brooks Richard, David Roy Lafleur and James Nicholas Lafleur.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA, 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.