Barbara Jean Bourgeois (Teddlie), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed into eternal rest at her residence surrounded by family on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the age of 90.
She was born in Trout, La., and met the love of her life, Charles Bourgeois, while living in Iowa, Louisiana and attending Business School in Lake Charles. Together they enjoyed a lifelong adventure of love and family that included many friends and extended family. Whether she was referred to as “Mimi,” or “Aunt Barb,” she shared the many delights of her life openly and passionately with everyone. Mimi was an avid seamstress creating everything from dresses to christening gowns that are still used in the baptism of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to this day. She learned to cook only after getting married, but became passionate about it, teaching her children how to prepare meals of substance for which their spouses are most appreciative. She followed and supported her five children through many sporting events over the years, never failing to encourage their competitiveness, or help coaches understand the importance of fair play. She spent over 20 years volunteering with the Lake Charles Memorial Auxiliary serving as President of the Auxiliary for several of those years.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Rosalie Teddlie; brothers, Austin and Bud; and sister, Jennie Cozier. She was the last of the original Teddlie family that pioneered from Georgia in the mid 1800s and settled in Winn Parish. Through their long life together Barbara and Charles were the “rock” on which many friends and family leaned during their most difficult times. “Being there” for others was a staple of her life and she never hesitated to step in when needed. In addition to the loss of many friends these last years, she endured the loss of her grandson, Captain Brian Bourgeois, one year and one week before her own passing.
Left to cherish Barbara’s memory are her husband of 71 years, Charles Bourgeois; her children, Jimmy (Tracy), David (Marlene), Lisa Hanks (Donald), Scott (Pam), Joey (Penni); 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a whole host of nieces and nephews.
A rosary will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles – visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at same location on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. – visitation will begin at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and her caregivers, Melissa and Sherri, for their loving care and support to our mother and family.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.