Mary Dupuy Roane

Mary Elise Dupuy Bourgeois Roane, 95 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sept.19, 2017. Her family was fortunate to have her guiding influence for so many years. Born in New Orleans on August 21, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Mary Keller Dupuy and Dr. Jules Emile Dupuy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carrie Dupuy Burke, her first husband John Carlyle Bourgeois, Jr., and her husband Donald Charles Roane, Jr. Mary resided most of her life in New Iberia and Jeanerette, where she had an extensive community of family and friends.

Among her memorable achievements were university degrees that included a Bachelors of Arts from UL-Lafayette, Master of Education from LSU, and Master of Fine Arts from Yale University. Mary was an educator and teacher most of her adult life and had a passion and mission to impart the love of the English language, grammar and literature to all her students and family. In her later years, Mary had a career as a successful real estate broker, for which she maintained her brokerage license until her 93rd year, when she was one of the oldest practicing brokers in the State of Louisiana. Mary was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of the Founders of the City of New Orleans, as well as numerous other social clubs in New Orleans, New Iberia and Jeanerette. She was especially honored of being chosen as a delegate to the 1956 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago where she visited with the future President and Mrs. Kennedy.

Mary had a zest for life, no distance was too long or schedule too complicated to keep her from participating in an event. She had a love for horticulture, and like her mother she enjoyed grafting and rooting camellias and other plants in her home nursery. She also was a writer, world traveler, aviator, tennis enthusiast, and collector. Mary was also very active in the Catholic church throughout her life. For such a small package of a lady, Mary packed a resolve and determination not equaled by many people, past or present.

“Coffee must be served hot” was one of Mary’s frequent sayings. Blackberry pie, fig preserves, scratch biscuits, pralines, cherry bounce, fresh cut camellias and hot coffee brewing were some of the many treats one would enjoy in Mary's home. In between her bursts of activity she would warmly welcome the family member or friend who called upon her for a visit. With a gift of cultivating friendship and conversation, Mary made her guests feel very welcome and special.

She is survived by her 6 children, Myra Maude Bourgeois Groome (Kirk), Jeanne Bourgeois Roane (late Robert), Stephanie Bourgeois Chapman (Stanley), Donna Leigh Roane Babington, David Charles Roane (Valeria), and Donald Thomas Roane (Donna), stepson, Buckner Duncan Roane (Gayle), 19 Grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, Brother in Law, Dracos Burke, childhood friends, Alice Manson & Carolyn Lewald, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and former students too numerous to list. With gratitude to her special friend and caregiver Ana Rodrigues, Dr. Doug Sagrera, caregivers Liz and Pearlle, the compassionate staff of Bridgeway, her neighbor, Charles Schexnayder and the ladies of the First Apostolic Church of New Iberia.

In lieu of flowers, any donations in her memoriam could be made to either the Jeanerette or the New Iberia libraries. Mary was an avid reader of newspapers and books, and she supported both libraries.

A Rosary will be said at 9:30 A.M. and a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1510 Church St., Jeanerette, and internment to follow immediately at Beau Pre Cemetery, 7605 E. Old Spanish Trail, Jeanerette, LA

David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost St. (337) 276-5151 is in charge of arrangements.