Patrick Edward Cancienne

Pat was born on March 25, 1929. He was the youngest of three children. His mother, widowed at a young age, trusted her son’s judgement on all matters throughout her life. Pat excelled in sports and academics graduating from Catholic High School of Donaldsonville, a school run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Along with the influence of the Brothers and his family, particularly his uncle Charles Clarence Savoie, Sr. (Uncle Charlie) he developed his fundamental character as a leader and loving man. He attended LSU and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He spent his entire career working at Lula Sugar Factory in Belle Rose. He worked there for fifty years as engineer, president, and officer of the company, earning the respect of his family, colleagues, and employees. Pat cherished the employees at Lula, worked side-by-side with them, demonstrated a sincere concern for them, and for the well-being of their families. Just as he was influenced by his uncles and family, he guided those who worked with and for him. The fruits of his labor are evident and will endure with the continual diligence and honest effort of those now successfully operating Lula-Westfield, LLC, manufacturers of sugar and molasses in Belle Rose and Paincortville, LA.

He married his high school sweetheart, Rosa Mae Blanchard from Napoleonville, shortly after graduating from LSU. They celebrated 67 years together in Belle Rose and raised 6 children, all boys. Pat was an active participant in the lives of his children: raising champion 4-H calves, coaching CYO summer baseball, attending their athletic events, school functions, and taking them fishing, shrimping, and hunting. He and his family spent many wonderful days, weekends, and vacations at his camp in Grand Isle.

He was always first up in the morning to make coffee and to bring a cup to Rosa Mae, a simple routine act, a small gesture of love. As their children started their own families, Pat and Rosa Mae devotedly supported their families, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all adored their “Maw Maw” and “Paw Paw”. By his actions he taught us to live as Christians and to love one another.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Joffrion, and his sons, Ed and Betsy, Joe and Cathy, Peter and Virginia, John and Michele, Sam and Phyllis, and James Cancienne; 12 grandchildren, Patrick Cancienne III and wife Jeanne, Mary Elizabeth Cancienne Bernhardt, Camille Cancienne Quinn and husband Charlie, Sarah Sartola Cancienne and husband Nick Musser, Joseph Omer Cancienne, Emily Rosa Cancienne, John Paul Cancienne and wife Elizabeth, Jourdan Cancienne and wife Meghan Klavans, Angelle Cancienne, Anna Rose Cancienne, Sam Cancienne Jr., and Renee Cancienne; and 13 great-grandchildren, Patrick IV, John Clay, and Brooks Cancienne, Lizzy and Joanie Bernhardt, Caroline, John Paul II, Madeline, and Thomas Cancienne, Mae and Charles IV Quinn, Hank Cancienne, and Jeanne Francis Musser. Pallbearers are Patrick III, John Paul, Jourdan, Joseph Omer, Sam Jr., and Patrick Cancienne IV.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Mae, his parents, Sartola Savoie Cancienne and Paul Cancienne, his brother, Paul Cancienne, and his great-grandchild, Lily Marie Cancienne.

Visitation will be held at St. Jules Catholic Church, 7161 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose, Louisiana on Wednesday July 21, 2021, from 9:00 AM until Mass at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Augustine Foley, OSB. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Joseph Abbey, St. Benedict, Louisiana, or St. Jules Church Parish.