A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Mary Elizabeth Doerle Comeaux will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 11, 2024 at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church with Fr. Ed Degeyter as celebrant. Following the mass, Betty will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive guests at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church on Friday from 8:30 am until time of the mass, with the Holy Rosary being recited at 10:00 am.
Mary Elizabeth, affectionately known as Betty, passed away peacefully Monday, October 7, 2024 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was 96.
A long-time resident of New Iberia, Betty attended Mt. Carmel Academy. At the age of ten she continued her education and graduated from The Academy of the Sacred Heart Grand Coteau. While there, Betty participated in sports and was named Best Athlete.
During her marriage to Ray, and raising their seven children, Betty began teaching at the “The Little Red School House” and later eventually opened-up her own 1-2-3 Kindergarten. During this time, Betty volunteered at the New Iberia Recreation Department (NIRD) in City Park. During her volunteer work, Betty organized baseball & softball programs for children.
Betty was eventually hired full time as Program Director for NIRD when she began the 1st Ladies Softball League. She also directed numerous other sports and activity programs. To many she became known as the “The Lady with the Hat” as she was notorious for wearing her signature white hat. Betty was transferred to the Iberia Parish (Willow Wood) Park and Recreations where she continued to develop sports & activities for children. It was then Betty started the 1st Soccer League in New Iberia as well as the 1st Adult Domino Tennis League. In recognition of her dedication to NIRD, Betty was inducted into the first class of the New Iberia Softball Hall of Fame.
Additionally, pursuing her passion for sports Betty coached the girls’ softball team at Mt. Carmel. She also coached her beloved “Cobb Cajuns” softball team for many years. Later, Betty became the President of the Senior Olympics while participating in several sports events and earned a record number of various awards. After retiring, Betty, enjoyed being a member of a local card group as well as a serving as a member of the Dot Domino Club for 12 years.
Betty was always selfless in her charitable works. She had an indescribable zest for life and a passion for sports. Her generosity and compassion towards others were an inspiration for all who knew and loved her. Many have referred to her a “A Legend” in the parks and recreation department in New Iberia and Iberia Parish.
Betty loved two things more than anything else in life – God and Family. She was a devoted Catholic. She cherished her children & grand kids and adored her beloved Doerle Family. Her family would like to extend a special thanks Laura and Raynetta, and to those who took care of her from Hospice of Acadiana. The family would especially like to extend their sincere gratitude to Karen “KB” Bertelsman for all she did to also comfort and care for Betty.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jane McCurley (Robert), Cathy Comeaux (Mitchell), Mary Beth Winmill (Phil), Louise Gaspard, Donald Comeaux and Michael Comeaux (Meranda); her daughter-in-law, Karen Comeaux; her grandchildren, Leah Reaux (Chuck), Bryan Comeaux (Kelly), Blake Comeaux (Danielle), Ashley Comeaux, Dusti Louviere (Trent), Bonnie McDonald (Adam), Erica Provost (Adam), Ryan Winmill, C.J. Hebert (Ashley), Tonya Romero (Austin), Brooke Latiolais (Ty), Derrick Latiolais and Harley Gaspard; and numerous great grandchildren.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ray Joseph Comeaux; her parents, Paul and Emma Doerle; her son, Rodney Comeaux; her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Comeaux; her grandson, Heath Buford; her great grandson, Noah Comeaux, and her siblings, Pauline, Gertrude, Thelma, Bernice, Mildred, Rena, Harold, Francis, Paul and Bob.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503, or to Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Betty’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
