Evelyn Josephine Garbo LeJeune, a native of Opelousas, LA, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 95 on December 10, 2020, at 10:30 p.m., surrounded by family. Evelyn was born in Opelousas on August 29, 1925, to Vincent and Josephine Garbo, whose families had been friends in and emigrated from Sicily at the turn of the century. She was the eldest of three girls; her younger sisters were Charlene and Greta. After Josephine unexpectedly passed away in 1934, Evelyn’s aunt and uncle, “Uncle” Amedee Marsiglia and Mary “Nan-Nan,” stepped in to help raise Evelyn and her sisters. Evelyn became the first person in her family to graduate high school, graduating at the age of fifteen, before going on to college at what was then called Southwestern Louisiana Institute (today known as University of Louisiana at Lafayette). World War II started only two months later, but Evelyn persevered and became the first person in her family to graduate from college, in 1945, with a degree in Home Economics. She then went on to work in the welfare department, a career at which she excelled and worked in for 40 years. In 1964, she moved to Baton Rouge, where she became the supervisor of the department, overseeing many welfare workers. On October 25, 1947, Evelyn married local Opelousas heartthrob C.P. LeJeune, with whom she had three beautiful, successful children. Evelyn and C.P. were very happily married for 65 years. Evelyn was preceded in death by parents Vincent and Josephine Garbo, aunt and uncle Amedee and Mary Marsiglia, sister Charlene Garbo, and husband C.P. LeJeune. She is survived by children Charles LeJeune and wife Judy, Michael LeJeune and wife Anna, and Jo Lynn Caffery and husband Don. She is also survived by grandchildren Ralph Caffery and wife Michelle, Mary Caffery, and Luke LeJeune. The family will be holding a private burial ceremony at Roselawn Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held when it is safe to do so. The family would also like to thank Best of Care for their many years of wonderful, loving in-home care, especially Rhonda Bergeron, Erika, Sis, Soma, and Brandy.
