Abbeville " Funeral services for Bonnie Broussard will be held Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 at a 2:00PM mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Abbeville. Visitation will be at David Funeral Home, 2600 Charity Street on Tuesday opening at 10:00AM, with a rosary at 7:00PM, closing at 9:00PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at 10:00AM until 1:00PM. Bonnie died peacefully at Maison du Monde Nursing home on Sunday, August 30th, 2009. Internment will be at the new St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery, located in back of Vermilion Catholic High School. Bonnie was born February 1, 1940 in Gross Tete, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Geoffrey and Johnnie Bell Richard, who predeceased her. As a resident of New Orleans, her education included Academy of Holy Angels in New Orleans, and finally Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette. Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, former mayor of Abbeville, R. Brady Broussard, sons R. Brady Broussard Jr. and his wife Reba, D. Delany Broussard and his wife Carla, Lance R. Broussard and his wife Alecia, Scott R. Broussard and his wife Julie, and her daughter Darby Champagne and husband Elton. At the time of her death, Bonnie had 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Anyone who knew Bonnie, immediately found out what a rapid pace she kept at all times. Bonnie and a partner started Jack and Jill Nursery School, in her home. She also taught at Mr. Carmel Elementary in Abbeville. She was a member of a local prayer group of dear friends for more than 25 years. Bonnie was active in scouting for her children, and always easy to find at sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Bonnie often traveled to support her favorite organizations, including many trips to Washington DC in support of Right to Life marches. She was a former president of Abbeville Right to Life . She introduced Nancy Reagans Just Say No program to Vermilion Parish and also represented this program at international conferences in Russia. She was a participant in President Bill Clintons National Drug Control Strategy, intent on strengthening communities response to drugs and crime. She started Red Ribbon Week in the City of Abbeville and organized the I love Abbeville Drug Free program. She was appointed by the Governor of the State of Louisiana to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Board , and at the time she was the only woman on the board. She was also Vice President of Extra Mile , working with the Sate of Louisiana Department of Hospitals. In a span of time that exceeded the 16 years where she served as First Lady of Abbeville, Bonnie was a board member of Abbeville-Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Grater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Louisiana Alliance to Prevent Underage Drinking , a former board member of the Teen Pregnancy Board , and former board member of Smoke Free Louisiana . Bonnie could often be found in the halls of the state capital, lobbying legislators and governors for the benefit to Vermilion parish children. In her capacity; as president of Vermilion Takes A Stand and as the former executive director of Louisiana Takes A Stand , Bonnie influenced bills that became law and will give positive influence to Louisianas future generations. Upon retirement, Bonnie enjoyed her time at antique auctions and sales, garage sales, watching nostalgic movies, traveling, and prayer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Louisiana Chapter of the Alzheimer Association (http://www.alz.org/louisiana/), or Vermilion Catholic High School (425 Park Avenue, Abbeville, LA 70510), or Mt. Carmel Elementary (405 Park Avenue, Abbeville, LA 70510). Pallbearers will be R. Brady Broussard Jr., D. Delany Broussard, Lance R. Broussard, and Scott R. Broussard. Heartfelt appreciation and gratitude from the family extends to the staff of Maison du Monde Nursing Home, Dr. Ronald Lahasky, Lisa Joubert RN, Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care, and Acadian Homecare " Abbeville. David Funeral Home of Abbeville, 2600 Charity Street, (337) 893-3777 is in charge of arrangements.
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