Wanda Mae Dugas Broussard

Loreauville ~ A Mass of Christian Burial for Ms. Wanda Broussard, 72, will be held at 11:00AM, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Bill Melancon officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 5:00PM on Sunday, January 12, 2025, until 9:00PM at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Loreauville with a recitation of the rosary at 6:00PM led by the Men’s Rosary Group. Visitation will resume at 8:00AM on Monday, January 13, 2025, until the time of Service.

Ms. Wanda Mae Dugas Broussard, affectionately known as “Wanda Mae” by her family and friends, was the third of seven children. Wanda’s life was defined by her determination, independence, and infectious spirit. Named after her maternal grandmother, she grew up in Loreauville, Louisiana, where she would become a beloved member of her community. From a young age, Wanda stood out in her family not only as the only blonde but also for her tenacious work ethic. She was determined to become independent and earn her own money, which she used to buy whatever she desired. This drive led her to work at her family’s gas station, where she learned bookkeeping from her mother and began driving before she was legally allowed. Her fearless nature allowed her to travel across New Iberia and St. Martinville to collect automobile parts. With her charisma and confidence, she was able to strike up conversations with anyone. She would later use these skills in her own business ventures, including operating her own grocery store for several years. Wanda's career was marked by a love for numbers and an ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. She worked for an accounting company and spent several years in various roles within the Iberia Parish government, where she specialized in bookkeeping and helped manage weather crisis situations. A constant in Wanda's life was her deep bond with her childhood best friend, “Teetie.” They shared a friendship for more than 70 years, and in Wanda’s final hours, Teetie came immediately to her bedside and exclaimed, “Wanda Mae, I’m here!” Teetie’s presence was a testimony to their enduring love and support for each other. As Teetie stood by her bedside, she lovingly reminisced about their childhood, from helping to raise younger siblings to navigating life’s ups and downs side by side. Through it all, their friendship was a rock, and it was their unconditional support for each other that saw them through every triumph and challenge. Wanda cherished living within walking distance of her parents and grandparents, making it clear how important her family was to her. She and her family were blessed with many beautiful memories. Wanda especially enjoyed looking through her window to see her parents and grandparents nearby. She also cherished witnessing her two boys enjoying the nearby farm animals and having outdoor cookouts, building camps, and making bonfires with their friends. Wanda was especially proud of her sons, Beau and Taylor. She admired both of them for joining the army. Her eldest son, Beau, made a career of it, retiring as a Master Sergeant (MSG), while her youngest son, Taylor, served two tours in Iraq. Wanda was deeply proud of both boys for their service and sacrifice in fighting for the country they loved. An avid reader with a passion for learning, Wanda loved exploring new topics, whether through books, nature programs, or documentaries. She also found joy in playing card games on her computer, always finding ways to keep her mind engaged. Music and Zydeco dancing were also close to her heart, as she was born with a natural rhythm that made her a beautiful dancer. Wanda was a natural caretaker, always ready to help family members in need, including her Aunt Pat, her sister Cindy, and her cousin and teenage accomplice, Robee. Her kindness and compassion were present in every action, and she will always be remembered for her selflessness and devotion to her loved ones.

Ms. Wanda Mae Dugas Broussard is survived by one son, Taylor Broussard and his wife Erica of Katy, TX; one daugher-in-law, Holly Broussard of NC; one brother, Thomas Dugas and his wife Anne-Claire of Vienna, VA; four sisters, Patricia Barras and her husband Larry of Marietta, GA, Mercedes Dugas of Loreauville, Willette Bonin and her husband Ken of Breaux Bridge, and Laurene Thibodeaux and her husband Kirk of Breaux Bridge; three grandchildren, Kayla Surita and her husband Daniel of Fayetteville, NC, Ava Broussard of Fayetteville, NC, and Magnolia Broussard of Katy, TX, and one great-grandchild, Charo Surita of Fayetteville, NC.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Homer Dugas and Anna Mae Vaughn Dugas, one son, Beau Broussard, one daughter, Amanda Broussard, and one sister, Cynthia Dugas.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Broussard, Mark Vaughn, Lyle Theriot, Thomas Dugas, Ken Bonin, and Braden Barras.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Jason and the staff at Landmark of Acadiana, Wanda's favorite nurse Sharon, Wanda Nora from Loreauville, and the ICU staff at Ochsner Lafayette General. Special thanks also go to The Carpenter House and Father Nick Ware of Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church for their support during this time.

Wanda Mae will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Frioux-David Funeral Home, 118 S. Main Street, Loreauville, LA, 70552, 337-229-8338 will be handling the arrangements.