Mary J Cyr

New Iberia--Mary Elizabeth Junot Cyr (Mickey) passed away peacefully on April 1, 2016, at the age of 99.  While she will be sorely missed, her spirit and her passion for life will live on in all who knew her. Her warmth, infectious smile, and beautiful laugh will always be with us.  She always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room.

Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on January 27, 1917 to Omer Hippolyte Junot and Edna Bajon Junot, she grew up in Baton Rouge and graduated from LSU.  While at LSU, she met Louie M. Cyr.  They were married in 1942 and for 64 years they were devoted to each other and to their family.

After graduation, Mickey and Louie moved to New Iberia where they lived what she called “the good life in God ’ s country.” They had two children: Patricia Cyr Hansen and Paul N. Cyr.  Sadly Paul died in 1971 in a boating accident.

Mickey ’ s love for her family and her friends was evident in all she did.  She was always ready to help in her community in any way she was needed.  Her faith was also very strong and she was an important part of her Catholic Church community.  She was actively involved in her children ’ s lives as they grew.  Her house was often filled with the sounds of children and later young adults who enjoyed her hospitality.  She remained a great friend of many of these young people as they grew up and moved away from New Iberia.

Mickey was also a renowned hostess.  Her home was always open to family and friends and anyone else who showed up.  She might have started cooking lunch for four or five, but end up feeding ten or twelve-all with grace and style.  Good food and good fellowship were a part of her life.

Mickey ’ s greatest love was for her husband Louie.  For 64 years they worked together to bring good things to their family and their community.  As community leaders, they recognized the needs of the community and the less fortunate people in it and tried to make a difference.  During the last years of their marriage Louie was in poor health and her devotion to him during this difficult time was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Perhaps a quote from one of Paul ’ s best friends, Michael Manes, is a perfect explanation of Mickey and her life.  In his blog My Cajun Life, Michael writes, “Miss Mickey had and has more enthusiasm than an LSU fan in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.  Every time she sees you she greets you like you ’ re the only person in the world - her favorite, and you haven ’ t seen each other in years.  To walk into her house and have her throw her arms up like a referee signaling a touchdown while she screams ‘Michael, good to see you ’ is a treat to enjoy.  She took care of all of us and Mr. Louie.”

Mickey was preceded in death by her husband, Louie McGowen Cyr; her son, Paul N. Cyr; her parents, Edna Bajon Junot and Omer Hippolyte Junot; her sister, Jean Junot Dixon; her son-in-law, Hubert J. Hansen; and her nephew, Charles M. Cyr II.       She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Cyr Hansen; her grandsons, Paul N. Cyr, Jr and Michael Patrick Norris and a great-grandson, Alexander Norris.  In addition, she is survived by nieces Linda Hart-Berkemeyer, Jean Ann Taylor, Cathi Thompson, Paula Cyr Louviere, Sandra Cyr and nephew Junot Dixon as well as special family Laurie Fremin Bonin and Katie Fremin Boudreaux .

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 7 at David’s Funeral Home in New Iberia beginning at 5:00 PM.  A Eulogy by Michael Manes will begin at 6:30 PM and a Rosary will follow.  Visitation on Friday will begin at 9:00 AM.  Services will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia on Friday, April 8, at 11:00 AM.  Officiating will be Monsignor Richard Greene.

Pallbearers will be Michael Patrick Norris, Alexander Norris, Paul N. Cyr, Jr., Kenneth Fremin, Junot Dixon, and Michael Manes.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Henry J. Dautrieve, Jr., Thomas Swatlosky, James R. Madison, Eldridge Louviere, Ross Thompson, Dr. Ross Mestayer, Ronnie Berkemeyer, Dr. Tim Viator, and Allen Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Research Hospital or to a charity of the Donor’s choice.

David Funeral Home 1101 Trotter St, (337) 369-6336 is in charge of handling the funeral services.