It is with great sorrow that the Barrilleaux and Doumit families announce the passing of Mary Doumit Barrilleaux, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and “Nana” to everyone. Mary gently closed her eyes to this earthly life and went on to eternal peace and rest on Saturday, January 18, surrounded by her loving family. She was 68.
Mary was born August 8, 1956 in New Iberia to the late Freddie A. Doumit, Sr. and the late Nedia Ann O’Brien Doumit Hebert and was the only daughter of six children born to that union. She grew up on N. Evangeline Street, next door to her aunt and uncle and cousins and loved that she had family close by to visit with. This same home that held so many childhood memories for Mary, would later become the very house that she would raise her family, making her own memories to last a lifetime.
On a trip to Grand Isle in the early 1970’s, Mary met a young man named Sidney Barrilleaux. Sidney shared that when he saw Mary on this trip, he instantly fell in love with her and knew that he wanted her to be his wife and soulmate. Mary’s Uncle Bob told Sidney, “Boy, don’t you let her get away”, and Sidney made sure to not let that happen. They courted for seven years until they were united in Holy Matrimony on February 26, 1977. Early on in their marriage, Mary worked outside of the home with Dorsey’s Insurance Agency and at Theriot’s Grocery, but she was most proud of her role as a wife, homemaker and best of all, a mother. Mary and Sidney saw their family grow with the birth of their daughter, Ashley, and later a son Matthew, both of whom they loved dearly and were very proud of. And when Mary became a “Nana”, the love in her heart grew even more. Along came Sydnie, Ava and Jax to complete her family.
Mary enjoyed a simple, albeit rich life filled with everything she could wish for. She was the cook of the family, sharing her recipes and passing down the skills of preparing authentic Lebanese dishes, and the quilter that crafted beautiful quilts for her family. Mary had other pastimes that kept her busy, but her best times were the Sunday dinners and morning coffee with her family and her impromptu rides with Sidney on the back roads, enjoying the scenery, and most importantly each other’s company.
It was no secret that Mary’s life revolved around her family and her home as you’ve read. This place that gave her shelter and love growing up, was now more than just a place for Mary and Sid to live and rest. It was a home for her entire family and friends. It was a home to enjoy the holidays…because Mary loved having everyone together under one roof and watching the children play and laugh…it was a home to provide a meal, especially her delicious Lebanese dishes, because Mary not only fed your hunger, she fed your soul…it was a home to celebrate when anyone in her family reached a milestone, because no one could make you feel great like Nana Mary…it was a home for learning…because Mary always remained grounded and offered sound advice and life’s lessons…and it was a home to find comfort when you were hurt or grieving, because Mary’s heart and compassion made you feel safe and loved as she offered a shoulder for you to cry on and a hand to lift you up from your worries.
We speak so highly of Mary because she lived her life for others, selflessly giving of herself in any way possible. She loved unconditionally and without judgement. As the words of the Prayer of St. Francis read,” O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console, to be understood, as to understand, to be loved, as to love.” And she lived that every day. Her life was the epitome of the Gospel.
Our dear Mary. We are heartbroken over you passing but know that through the promise of Christ, we will one day be reunited in the Heavens above. Thank you for the beautiful rainbow sent our way on Saturday after your passing. It was as bright as your smile and gave us a sign that you are still with us. We look forward to the day when we are all together again and will hold your memory dear. Until that very special day, rest well. We love you.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 48 years, Sidney J. Barrilleaux, III; her daughter, Ashley Barrilleaux Floris and husband Chris; her son, Matthew P. Barrilleaux; her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Sydnie Floris, Ava Floris and Jax Floris; her brothers, Freddie Doumit, Jr. (Kathy), Christopher Doumit (Donna), Steven Doumit (Lori), and Phillip Doumit (Tammy); her stepsiblings, Debra Hebert Blackwell, Edwin Hebert, Sr. (Stephanie), Tommy Hebert (Debbie), Darrell Hebert, Wanda Hebert Fontenot (RJ), Mark Hebert (Terri), Cindy Hebert Faughn (Kevin) and Janet Hebert Smith; her in-laws, Rody Barrilleaux (Gwen), Ellen Thomas (Fredy), and Sim Armentor; along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Cyril Hebert; her brother, John Doumit; Sister-in-law, Kerry Barrilleaux Armentor; brother-in-law, Richard P. Barrilleaux; Sister-in-law, Diane Renard; and stepbrother, Kerry Hebert.
Funeral services celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Evangeline Funeral Home. Deacon Christopher Doumit will officiate. Readers for the service will be Mary’s granddaughters, Sydnie and Ava Floris. Following the service, Mary will be laid to rest at Nativity of Our Lady Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Sunday from 9:00 am until time of services, with the Rosary being recited at 11:00 am.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are her son Matthew P. Barrilleaux, and her nieces and nephews who all lovingly called her “Nanny Mary”, Brett Doumit, Amanda Landry, Vance Doumit, Angie Moneaux, David Doumit, Derrick Doumit, Demi Mixon, Drew Doumit, Breigh Neuville, Brittlyn Vergenal, Katelyn Doumit, Drake Doumit, Ryan Armentor, Candice Louviere, Hannah Comeaux, Emily Thomas, Allison Lasseigne and Bethany Simoneaux.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the Barrilleaux and Doumit family by visiting Mary’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
