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MARIA LaCOSTE SHEEHAN

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:49am

Maria LaCoste Sheehan, 71, a resident of Berwick, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, June 12, 2023 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.

Maria was born August 15, 1951, in Brownsville, TX, the daughter of Paul LaCoste Sr. and Agnolia LaCoste.

Maria enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved her job as a bank teller for 38 years. Her favorite past time was sleeping. Even though she didn’t have any children, she loved to be around her nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her siblings, Jerry LaCoste Sr. and wife Deborah, Paul LaCoste Jr., Gibson “Gippy” LaCoste and wife Geraldine “Dena”, Marilyn Pye, Judy Crochet, Yvette Manley and husband Kevin, Yvonne Parsons and husband William “Bill” Sr., and Mona Verret and husband Troy; numerous nieces and nephews; four stepchildren, Denise Pitts and husband Guy, Justin Sheehan and wife Cynthia, Charles “Chuck” Sheehan, and Wendy Rulf and husband Les; and step-grandchildren.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Sheehan Jr.; her parents, Paul and Agnolia LaCoste; sister, Juanita Ganaway; sisters-in-law, Cathy Scully LaCoste and Shelly Pierce LaCoste; brothers-in-law, Douglas Pye, Gerald “Jerry” Crochet, and Huey Ganaway

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again Friday, June 16, 2023 at Immanuel Baptist Church from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services. After services, Maria will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery with her husband, Charles.

CHARLES E. GANAWAY SR.

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:48am

Charles E. Ganaway Sr., 85, passed away on June 9, 2023, in Morgan City, LA. He was ordained in 1964. He was a minister in Illinois, Missouri and started his God Way Ministries radio program from 1974 until 1987. He was also the Pastor of God Way Church in Bayou L’Ourse. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the American Legion in Labadieville.

Charles is survived by daughters - Ginger (Calvin) Bonin, Melissa (Corey) Marcel, son - Louis (Joan) Ganaway; grandchildren - Tammy, Locky, Thomas, Mark, Jessica, Louis Jr., Ashley, Brittany, Silas, Dustin, Kevin, Ryan, Chasity, Jeremy, Liz, Katie and Gabby; great-grandchildren – 28; great-great-grandchildren – 3; and a special friend and caregiver - Darlene Encardes.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife - Catherine Hill Ganaway, son - Charles “Chuck” Ganaway Jr., daughter - Kim Vining, parents - Louis Ganaway and Mary Kelly Ganaway, son-in-law - Lockwood Bonin Jr., grandson - Johnathon Ganaway, Brothers - Louis, George, Herbert, Rosebelt and Huey, Sisters - Mary, Silver Mae, Florence and Betty.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The visitation will resume Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place in Hardin Cemetery in Hardin, Illinois.

LOUIS CLAYTON CHAUVIN

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:47am

April 25, 1950 — June 5, 2023

Louis Clayton Chauvin, 73, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully, June 5, 2023, at Legacy Nursing Home in Morgan City.

Louis was born April 25, 1950, in Franklin, the son of the late Clayton Chauvin and Billie Boudreaux Chauvin. He was blissfully married for 51 years to the love of his life, Jacqueline Johanson Chauvin, who preceded him in death in September 2021.

A Central Catholic High School ‘Class of 1968’ graduate, Louis went on to earn his B.A. at Nicholls State University. Louis and Jackie relocated to Seattle for 15 years, then returned to their hometown in 2000. Louis worked in the field of human resources over the course of his career, including serving as a federal personnel investigator for many years.

Louis was a devoted husband and father, and a generous and true friend. He was reliable and hard-working, and he was a proud and progressive American. Anyone who knew Lou could rely on his sparkling and sometimes spicy sense of humor, through which he shared cheer and laughed about some of the head-shaking absurdities of life. He adored music and played guitar, including lead in his own 1960s band, the Human Race. Louis also was a prolific reader and was incredibly gifted in knowledge; he could share a fact or detailed explanation about the workings of practically any topic or process.

He will be lovingly remembered and profoundly missed by his daughter, Kelsy Chauvin, a native of Morgan City and longtime resident of Brooklyn, New York. Louis and Kelsy were as close as a father and daughter could be; their birthdays were two days apart, they shared unforgettable adventures, and often felt like they communicated beyond words.

Louis also is survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Ronald Bucci, who were devoted to him every day of his life. He is survived as well as by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Arthur Oncale; his elder daughter; his two granddaughters, Olivia Martyn and Sophie Jeansonne; his daughter-in-law, Denise Shanks and her son Noel Guidry; and by wonderful sisters-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dearest friends and neighbors. Lou’s community meant the world to him.

Louis was preceded in death by his three brothers, John, Barry, and Jan Chauvin.

The family of Louis and Jackie Chauvin will commemorate and celebrate both of their lives with a memorial service at Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City on Saturday, June 17, 2023, 1-3 p.m.

Louis’s family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the incomparable and gracious team at Legacy Nursing Home, and to St. Joseph Hospice, and Dr. Natalie Dishman.

LEONA JOHNNIE DOUCET

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:45am

Leona Johnnie Doucet, 83, a native of Opelousas and resident of Patterson, died Saturday, June 10, 2023.

Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

LEONA ANN RATCLIFF LANDRY

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:44am

Leona Ann Ratcliff Landry, 86, a native of Morgan City and resident of Bayou Vista, died Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

She is survived by her husband, Merval Landry; four children, Martin Landry, Grant Landry, Keith Landry and Joy Largent; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Louis Ratcliff; and sisters, Frances Miller and Julie Hepler.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.

Twin City Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

DEBORAH MONTET

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:42am

A memorial service for Deborah Montet of Amelia is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Bayou L’Ourse Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carey Montet Sr.

MAX CHARLES MILLER

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:58am

Max Charles Miller, a native of Verdunville, a former longtime resident of Patterson, and a current resident of Centerville for the past six years, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 during the evening hours of Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Max was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean War in Naval Intelligence. He married the love of his life, Iris Reynaud, and of that union they were blessed with three children. Max was a dedicated family man who worked many years in the banking industry with Iberia Savings and Loan. Following his time with Iberia Savings and Loan he went to work for the St. Mary Parish Assessor’s Office, retiring later in life due to the loss of his vision. Second only to his love for his family was his passion for gardening. For Max, there was no such thing as having enough vegetables, which was his reasoning for having such a large garden.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Iris Reynaud Miller; their three children, Deborah Miller (Dennis), Bill Miller (Karla), and Glynn Miller (Darlene); four grandchildren, Adam Miller, Heather Aucoin (Thomas), Tyler Miller (Sarahbeth), and Ryan Miller (Katelyn); two step-grandchildren, Chad McClelland and Nicole McClelland; four great-grandchildren, Karli, Kamden, Korbin, and Karson Aucoin; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles William Miller and Flossie Matherne Miller; his five siblings, Wilson “Boo” Miller, Charles Miller, Guy Miller, Stella Mae Larpenteur, and Dorothy Hunley; and his niece, Allyn Hunley Kerr.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 8:00 AM. Following services, Max will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Centerville. Serving as pallbearers will be Glynn Miller, Adam Miller, Tyler Miller, Ryan Miller, Thomas Aucoin, and Jesse Reynaud III.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Heart of Hospice and Patterson Health Care Center for their compassionate care given during his time of need.

Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Schools get public information manager

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:51am

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

CENTERVILLE — The year-end accolades continued Thursday, when the St. Mary Parish School Board also toughened some of its disciplinary policies related to vaping, gang activity, drug possession and social media.
The board recognized athletic and academic achievements, and made clear the way for a new district public information officer.

The board approved job descriptions for four positions, including a new one. The system will have a public information manager.

Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush says the occupant of the post will be able to provide accurate information to the public while acting as the voice of the school system.

And in the event of a major incident, school administrators can “focus on the response and we’ll have someone communicating ...,” Fegenbush said.

On Friday, the system announced that Fegenbush had named Fallon Mitchell to the post.

Mitchell, who was a 2004 honors graduate at Franklin High, has worked in the district for 13 years, the announcement on Facebook said. She began as a talented theater teacher and for 11 years was a teacher for gifted and talented students.

Most recently, she has served as an at-risk interventionist.

Mitchell earned her bachelor of arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in New York. She holds two master’s degrees.

The board, acting on recommendations of its disciplinary committee, put vaping on a level with the system’s rules against tobacco use by students.

The new policies also extend rules against possession of illegal drugs to all K-12 students. Before Thursday, students in K-5 were not specifically covered by the policy that requires cases to be referred to local law enforcement.

The sharing or posting on social media of unauthorized pictures or videos is also prohibited. And students exhibiting gang symbols or what the policy calls “gang paraphernalia” will be referred to the school resource officer.

On the non-disciplinary front, the board recognized members of the Berwick High baseball team, which won the LHSAA Non-Select Division III championship May 12 by beating Doyle 4-2 in eight innings.

The team, introduced Thursday by head coach Seth Henry, fell one run short of a state championship in 2022.

Another athletic accomplishment was celebrated. Milton Schexnayder of Centerville High was the state discus champion. He also placed in shot put, coach Charles Jefferson said.

Evan White of Berwick High, a member of the baseball team, was introduced to the board by Grisel Torres for an off-the-field achievement. White is a National Merit finalist.

The board recognized four newly minted principals. They are Toney Linn Jr. at Berwick High, Lacie Quintanilla at Morgan City High, Amber Monceaux at Morgan City Junior High and Celeste Pipes at Wyandotte Elementary.

Also Thursday:

—The board heard from insurance consultant James Perez that the district’s group health insurance plan paid an unusually large amount in claims in the first four months of 2023.

The plan has taken in about $3.8 million in premiums January-April. In the same months, medical and medication claims have totaled about $4.5 million.

In February alone, the plan paid about $1.3 million on one claim and $263,000 on another.

—The board approved 2023-24 participation in a program that makes free breakfasts and lunches available to students at all parish schools.

The program is the Community Eligibility Provision of the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act, wrote Supervisor of Child Nutrition Dawn Chaisson. St. Mary Parish has participated since 2016-17, and since 2020-21 students at all parish schools have been eligible.

The federal government reimburses the school district at a rate that’s based on the number of students who qualify for free meals because their family qualifies for certain aid programs and or because they’re homeless, migrants or foster children.

The district’s reimbursement rate since 2020-21 is 99.96%, Chaisson wrote.

Coast Guard rescues four from sinking vessel

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:48am

A Coast Guard helicopter rescued four people Sunday after their boat began taking on water near Morgan City.

No one was injured, the Coast Guard said. The four people were taken to Lake Front Airport in New Orleans.

Coast Guard heard via VHF-FM channel 16 at 10:30 p.m. Sunday from the crew of the 75-foot recreational vessel Add To Cart, stating they were taking on water and unable to keep up with the incoming water. The boat was about 20 miles south of Morgan City.

Watch-standers coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Coast Guard Station New Orleans 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew to assist.

Watch-standers also notified St. Mary Parish Sherriff’s Office personnel, who coordinated the launch of their own boat crew to assist.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the four boaters, and transferred them to New Orleans.

The owner will coordinate the commercial salvage operations to remove the vessel.

FRANK WELCH JR.

Tue, 06/13/2023 - 8:26am

Frank Welch Jr., 76, a native of Franklin and resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at his residence.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin.

He is survived by three sons, Frank Welch III and Murphy Mitchell, both of Atlanta, and Bobby Welch of Morgan City; brother; Lester Welch of Orange Texas; and sister; Lizzie Stolkes of Franklin.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.