Marlene O. Durke

New Iberia–Funeral services conducted for Marlene O. Durke, age 85, on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Frioux-David Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon Durk Viator officiating. Entombment will be at Beau Pre Mausoleum.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 2:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed in the funeral prior to the service 1:00 p.m.

Marlene Oubre Durke, 85, of New Iberia, LA was called to the Lord on December 28th, 2024. Marlene was born on March 27th, 1939 in St. Martinville, LA and is the oldest of four children born to Lawrence and Thelma Oubre.

Raised in Port Arthur, TX, Marlene attended Bishop Byrne High School, where she landed the senior class’ “best dancer” award before dancing her way into the arms of her soulmate, Guy Durke. She married Guy on January 19, 1963, and they spent 34 years together before Guy’s passing. Together, Guy and Marlene created a legacy of love that has spanned generations.

Marlene spent 61 years as a resident of New Iberia, where she raised her three children. She is remembered by her family as a feisty, witty woman, whose easy humor was a gift to those she loved. Marlene kept a mile-long prayer list that she read every morning as she sipped her coffee, offering her prayers to everyone she knew. Marlene adored her role as a grandmother and was affectionately known as “Grandy” to many. She was the architect of family tradition, with her home serving as the meeting place for every holiday meal. Marlene loved the color red, dark chocolate, speaking Cajun French, playing Yahtzee, watching ghost stories, and going to mass. A true matriarch, she enriched the lives of her family by teaching them to steadfastly love one another.

Marlene is survived by her children Kelly Durke Daigle of New Iberia, LA and Kristine Durke of New Iberia, LA; her four grandchildren, Allyson Durke of Morris, AL, Blair Durke of Las Vegas, NV, Abigail (Morgan) Daigle Ramsey of Lafayette, LA, and Matthew Gary of Lafayette, LA; her two great grandchildren, Lilah Howard of Morris, AL and Bennett Ramsey of Lafayette, LA; and her sisters Linda (Mel) Falcon Borel of San Antonio, TX, and Carole (Marvin) Reeves of Groves, TX.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Guy A. Durke; her parents, Lawrence and Thelma Judice Oubre, her son, Darin Paul Durke of New Iberia, LA, and her brother, John Edward Oubre of Granbury, TX.

The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Consolata Nursing Home of New Iberia, LA, particularly Nikki Youman, Mary Foreman, and Jackie Silas, who took such great care of Mom this year. Additionally, the family would like to thank Jackie Savoy for being a bright light in Mom’s life, for always looking out for her, and for providing Mom with such sweet friendship.

Please join the family in celebrating Marlene’s life at Frioux-David Funeral Home, 1101 Trotter St, New Iberia, 70563. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Acadiana at www.hospiceacadiana.com/hoa/donate.

Friends and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org.

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. 337-369-6336 handling the arrangements.