THERESA LYNN BROUSSARD
Theresa “Terri” Lynn Broussard passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was an angel who walked the earth for 68 years.
Terri was born on December 10, 1954, in Franklin, Louisiana, and grew up in Bayou Vista. She was a genuine nurturer, looking after her three younger siblings and serving as a role model throughout their lives. She graduated third in her class from Berwick High School in 1972, where she developed many special and irreplaceable friendships that continued to the time of her passing.
Terri went on to attend secretarial school and landed her first job in 1974 at Texaco in Morgan City. There she met Paul Damian Broussard, a civil engineer who would become her best friend, soulmate, and lifelong partner. The couple married on June 12, 1976, and began their family in Berwick, later moving to Mandeville. They spent 47 blissfully wedded years together.
The couple has four children who absolutely adored their mother. For Terri, her kids were her life’s work and greatest accomplishments. She excelled at her role as homemaker. Terri cherished her expanding family, embracing and loving her children’s spouses as if they were her own kids. Her reward was earning the title of Ami — “friend” in French — which is what Terri chose as her grandmother name. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with her entire family. She fostered an environment of love and affection that was unmatched and served as an inspiration to many. No conversation with her kids ended without a shared “I love you.”
While Terri was a lifelong resident of South Louisiana, she enjoyed exploring the world with Paul on their many adventures. The couple has visited all 50 states — 49 of them with their kids in tow — 60 countries, and all seven continents. Terri’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2002 did nothing to deter the couple from continuing their worldwide travels. They had their next three international trips booked at the time of her glioblastoma diagnosis in February 2023, with many more destinations in waiting.
Terri was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL) Church. If Paul and Terri weren’t on a big trip or visiting their kids or grandkids, they could be found in front of the church at the vigil mass every Saturday evening. For nearly 30 years, Terri was involved in or leading the church’s card ministry, writing messages to the sick and homebound in her meticulously perfect script. She was also a Eucharistic Minister for many years.
Terri and Paul served as a mentor couple at church, preparing nearly 40 engaged pairs for the sacrament of marriage over their 20 years of ministry. They relished the opportunity to share their married life lessons to the engaged couples who came through their home. A true OLL power couple, Terri humbly served as head of the Lady Knights while Paul led the church’s Knights of Columbus Council as Grand Knight from 2022 to 2023.
Terri will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her goodness and light were undeniable. She was a gentle, kind, and compassionate soul who was a true model of a life well lived. The courage and strength she showed during her illness inspired her family to face life’s challenges with dignity and grace. Daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, godmother, mother-in-law, grandmother — she embraced each of her roles wholeheartedly, leaving a legacy of love in her wake.
Terri is survived by her husband, Paul; her children Rennan Broussard, Renee (Chuck) Brown, Robin Broussard, Ross (Ana Maria) Broussard; her grandchildren Bennett and Kian Broussard, and Margot and Maisie Brown; her siblings Joyce (Tim) Brady, Diane “Boo” Naquin, Harry “Buster” (Vanessa) Naquin; and her many nieces, nephews, and siblings-in-law.
Terri was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bernice Naquin, and her grandson, André Gabriel Broussard.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 312 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, LA, 70448, on Thursday, August 17, at 12:00 p.m. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. until mass time, and a rosary will be said immediately prior to mass. Interment will take place following the service at Saint Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, LA 70457.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Terri’s memory to the National MS Society or the Glioblastoma Foundation. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.