Patricia Scardino Reich

Patricia was born January 28, 1927 in rural Grosse Tete to the late Joseph Scardino, Sr. and the late Nativa Steib Scardino. She was a proud graduate of Shady Grove High School in Rosedale, where she was chosen Valedictorian, and awarded a full scholarship to Touro School of Nursing.

Patricia would eventually meet the man of her dreams, Billy Joe Reich, and their family would grow with the birth of three daughters and two sons. Tragically, Billy Joe passed away while working overseas in what was their home at that time, Ghana, West Africa. Although she grieved his passing, Patricia carried on steadfastly raising their children and watching them grow to have families of their own.

Her children reminisced about Patricia’s full and beautiful life. She lived every day to its fullest with great appreciation for the experiences she had. At home, she was the mother, seamstress, quilter, poet and song writer. Many outfits were sewn for her children and a quilt handmade by Patricia was done for every member of her family…a total of 39 quilts that each will cherish for life. And how can anyone forget the beautiful poems she wrote and gospel songs she proudly sang.

But she wasn’t one to stay home much. Patricia was an avid golfer and world traveler. She played courses locally and from Las Vegas to California, Pebble Beach being one of her favorites. And her travels brought her to some of the most desirable destinations known. European vacations with her beloved God-daughter Kay Huffman to Belgium, Israel, Egypt, and Italy were some of the most memorable to name a few.

Above all, her greatest joy was the family that she loved so dearly. We are saddened by her passing, but rejoice in knowing that she is not gone, only gone on before us, and we will one day be reunited again. Until that time, rest well Mom “Granny Pat”. We love you.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Cheryl Reich Minvielle, Margaret Reich Marcotte (Ira), Mary Jo Reich Daquilla and John Gregory “Greg” Reich (Stephanie); her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Granny Pat”, Shannon Llamas, Rachal Patterson, Willian Louis Babineaux, Gretchen Williams, Andrew Reich, Jennifer Bullitt, Michael Reich, Jim Daquilla, Geniece Mahoney and Kitty Einsmann; a host of great grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Huffman; a beloved God-daughter, Kay Huffman; her sister-in-law, Sheila Perkins; and numerous nieces and nephews, and she loved them all.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Reich; her son, William Randolph “Randy” Reich; three grandchildren, David Michael Marcotte, Tricia Lucille Babineaux and William Christopher Reich; her brother, Joseph Scardino, Jr.; and sons-in-law, Louis Babineaux, Jr., John R. Minvielle and John L. Daquilla.

In keeping with our mother’s wishes, our family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony at her resting place at Holy Family Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Greg Reich, Billy Babineaux, Andrew Reich, Michael Reich, Luke Lawyer and Jim Daquilla. Honorary pallbearers are Ira Marcotte and Eric von Aspern.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to a charity of your choice.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting her memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.