Helen T. Bourque, 99, passed away Sept. 30, 2023, at her home in Lake Charles, La., surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 13, 1924, in Kaplan, La., and was the daughter of Nelson and Josephine Toups.

Helen married the love of her life, John E. Bourque on March 1, 1947, a love that lasted over 76 years until his death on June 16, 2023. She was a faithful longtime member of Boulevard Baptist Church of Lake Charles, and will long be remembered as a wonderful cook, avid gardener, and an amazing seamstress.  She enjoyed camping with her family, gardening and traveling.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughter, Barbara Wenner and her husband, Bill, of Moss Bluff; grandchildren, Pam Busby and her husband, Waylon, of Moss Bluff; Melissa Ethridge and her husband, Ron, of Richmond, Texas; Allison McKinney and her husband, Chris, of Sugarland, Texas; great-grandchildren, Michael and Gabe Ethridge, Kate, Alex, and Jolie Busby, and Will and Jack McKinney. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Butts of Westlake, La. and brother, Leo Toups of Hattiesburg, Miss.

Helen was preceded in death by an infant son; her parents; brothers, Harry Toups, Toby Toups, Pervis Toups and Melvin Toups.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sullivan Turner will officiate. Burial will take place in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.