Beverly Pearl (Peno) Landaiche

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Beverly Peno Landaiche, founder of Beverly's Flower Shop. She died peacefully on the evening of March 2, 2025, at the age of 81, after a long and painful struggle with cancer. Thankfully, this was at home in Gonzales, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her husband, Donald J. Landaiche; children Kimberly Peno Allabaugh (husband Brian), Jonathan Peno (wife Marci), Heather Peno, Brett Allen (wife Yvette), and Mable Grace Medine (husband Chad); her sister and lifelong companion Jo Ann Peno Dawson, brothers Ronald Peno and Jerry Peno, sister-in-law Myrna Peno, and numerous extended family.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Teddy Peno, Bobby Peno, and Betty Peno, and parents Theodore Peno and Alma Hall Peno. Though she bore no biological children, Beverly’s nurturing spirit touched the lives of many. She adopted five children and was a foster mother to over 63 others before marrying. Beverly skillfully balanced raising her children while running her flower shop. Beverly’s Flower Shop famously included a playroom for workers’ children to gather after school, prompting visitors to marvel, “Is this a flower shop or a daycare?” Beverly’s Flower Shop remained a thriving business for 40 years and continues to be referred to as a landmark on CoonTrap Rd.

Beverly’s connection to nature was profound. As an accomplished birdwatcher, she could name birds by their distinctive calls. Her compassion extended to wildlife rehabilitation, rescuing numerous animals including a raccoon, a squirrel that continued to visit her yard, and a mockingbird that returned with its family after being nursed back to health. Her conservation efforts even included rescuing an alligator from her driveway and safely returning it to the Bayou Goudine behind the property. Beverly volunteered as a docent at the Baton Rouge Zoo and then at the Bluebonnet Swamp, sharing her knowledge and love of nature with visitors, especially school groups, bringing the animals to the classrooms. Faith and service were cornerstones of Beverly’s life. Led by her sister Betty (Nanny), the three sisters lovingly tended the gardens at St. Theresa of Avila Church for many years. Beverly’s faith sustained her throughout her life, and she gave many hours to service at the church, as a long-serving Eucharistic Minister and hospital minister. Beverly’s warm heart and generous spirit touched many lives throughout her journey, from her school days at Dutchtown, to her McDonald's breakfast group, the Crazy Ladies coffee group, her walking group, and her Mary Bird Perkins painting class at the Haven of Ascension. Her legacy lives on through her service to others, her paintings, and the backyard oasis she created with care.

Visitation will take place at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales on March 8, 2025, from 9am, followed by Mass at 11am and burial at Hope Haven cemetery in Prairieville. In honor of Beverly's lifelong dedication to her craft and the joy she brought to countless lives through her floral arrangements, for those who wish to give something in commemoration, the family requests that memorial flowers be sent in honor of Beverly's Flower Shop to the residents and staff of the Gonzales Healthcare Center or Ascension Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Beverly's gentle spirit, generous heart, and quiet strength will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. In confident hope of the resurrection (1 Cor 15), we entrust her to God’s care, accompanying her with our prayers. May she rest in the peace of Christ.