Catherine "Millie" Derouen Rodrigue, age 81, better known as "Millie", of Saint Martinville passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Millie was a vibrant soul whose kindness and warmth touched everyone she met.
Millie’s passions in life were simple yet meaningful. She cherished her time watching "grit" TV shows, especially westerns, and enjoyed the peaceful solitude of playing solitaire. A lover of the outdoors, she delighted in long walks, particularly in the morning hours, and would often be seen walking through the community. Millie also treasured her monthly outings with her sisters, where they would enjoy meals together and celebrate the special bond they shared.
She had a deep commitment to service, dedicating her time as a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, where she cooked for the priest and contributed to various church activities. Millie also worked for many years at Simoneaud grocery store, where her kindness and helpful spirit made her a beloved figure in the community.
Millie is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Rodrigue; her son Jamie "Frog" Rodrigue (Tracy); her son Marty Rodrigue; and her daughter Tracy R. Boudreaux. She was a proud grandmother to Katherine Boudreaux, Kayla Boudreaux, and Travis Rodrigue and great grandmother to Lance Boudreaux, Seth Boudreaux, Ali Boudreaux, Landon Hayes, Emma Hayes, Amede Boudreaux, and Jenna Hayes.
Millie will also be deeply missed by a host of extended family and friends who were fortunate to have known her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Derouen, her mother, Lela Romero Derouen Benoit, twelve siblings, and her god children, Leslie Dore Emonet and Ernest "Bubba" Bonin.
A visitation for Millie will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Evangeline Funeral Home in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed by the Men's Rosary Group at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in St. Martinville, with Fr. Bill Melancon officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jamie Rodrigue, Marty Rodrigue, Shane Sigur, Freddie Hayes Jr., Darrell Boudreaux, Lance Boudreaux, Travis Rodrigue, Seth Boudreaux, Kevin Bonin, Dane Bonin, and Michael Bonin.
Millie’s legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her family and friends.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Jean's memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
