Patricia “Pat” LeJeune
Patricia
“Pat” LeJeune
In Loving Memory of
Patricia “Pat” LeJeune
“Hummingbird teaches us to transcend time, to recognize that what has happened in the past and what might happen in the future is not nearly as important as what we are experiencing now. It teaches us to hover in the moment, to appreciate its sweetness.”
- Constance Barrett Sohodski
Patricia “Pat” LeJeune, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at 3:16 p.m. after a brave battle with metastatic breast cancer. Pat is now in her eternal home wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus. Though she will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched and the wonderful family she leaves behind, we also rejoice in celebrating a well-lived life; 71 fulfilling years of love, adventure, family and faith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota. Father Andrew Schumacher, pastor of St. John the Evangelist-Mermentau, will officiate for the services assisted by Deacon Paul Matte.
The family requests visiting hours Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 11 a.m.
Inurnment will take place at a later date.
Patricia LeJeune was born on Sept. 10, 1953, to proud parents, Clifford Richard and Joyce Bourgeois, in Church Point. Growing up as the middle child amongst five sisters, Pat acted as the peacemaker of the bunch.
Alongside her siblings, Pat often worked in her family’s fields and was known for missing school occasionally to help harvest the crops. It was in these same fields in Richie that Pat and her sisters’ “camps” would one day become the future meeting place for special holidays.
Yet, one of her greatest joys in her early years was meeting the love of her life, Terry, at Iota High School in 1970. Simply needing a date for her Junior Prom Banquet unexpectedly led to a lifetime of love — one that would last a wonderful 52 years and result in two beautiful sons being brought into the world, Cliff and Cole.
It was easy to see that being a mother meant everything to Pat. After a long battle with endometriosis and melanoma cancer, being blessed with the opportunity to have two successful pregnancies and raise her children was all she could have hoped for. Her boys were her life.
Over the years, she developed a profound sense of purpose in caring for her children, husband, extended family and even her community. Whether she was cooking Cajun-inspired dishes, helping in her children’s schools, tending to the home, hosting guests or volunteering, Pat’s immense passion for serving others was both felt and seen in everything she did.
It was no surprise that later in life Pat became a caretaker for others who could no longer care for themselves. She was affectionately looked at as a ‘daughter’ by her patients for the dedication and dignity she provided.
When she wasn’t helping others, Pat loved to create. She even developed her own business, Custom Designs & Monograms, that she had for many years.
Pat also took much pride in being a member of the ‘Catholic Daughters,’ connecting with other women through their shared faith. Yet arguably her most cherished memories were when everyone came together for family dinners and intimate moments spent with her little family.
No matter the relentless health-related obstacles she faced, Pat’s faith and strength always remained stronger. There is no question her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those she cherished most, within the stories they share and in the memories that can never be forgotten.
Pat is survived by her husband, Terry LeJeune; son, Cliff LeJeune and son-in-law Steven Knott; son, Cole LeJeune and daughter-in-law Lauren LeJeune; grand-dog, Jasper James; sisters, Jane LeJeune, Cynthia Sonnier, Jennifer Menier and Pamela Bearb; sisters-in-law, Pamela Vincent and Charlene Hebert; godchildren, Blaine LeJeune, Damien LeJeune, and Angelle Menier-Cutrer.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Candice Stanford, Gloria Miller, the team at Heart of Hospice, Pat’s incredible medical team and most of all, her most dedicated caretaker until the very end, her loving husband, Terry. For those who have reached out to give their condolences, offered their time or a helping hand from the kindness of their hearts, or uplifted the LeJeune family’s spirits during this difficult time, thank you. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 509 Duson Ave., Iota, 337-779-2669.
