Myrtle Catherine Bourquard Barras

Myrtle Catherine Bourquard Barras went to heaven on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. She was a very strong woman who courageously fought to stay with her family on Earth, but a horrible cancerous brain tumor, called a Glioblastoma, ultimately stole her life at the young age of 78. Surrounded by loved ones holding her hands, she passed away at her home in Slidell, Louisiana. Myrtle is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Ronald J. Barras, her daughters, Gina B. Holland (Gerald/Glenn), Annette B. Serpas (Joseph), and Darlene Barras, her grandson, Brandon J. Serpas, and her sister, Emelda Bourquard Lodriguss, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loving friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Antoinette Bourquard, her brothers, Edward Bourquard, Jr., Richard “Buddy” Bourquard, Rene Bourquard, Sr., and Albert Bourquard, Sr., and her sisters, Marie Louise Bourquard (who died as an infant), and Doris Bourquard Goodwin. Myrtle was born on September 24, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Edward “Eddie” Bourquard and Antoinette Campora Bourquard. (Antoinette was from Palermo, Sicily, and Myrtle was fond of her Sicilian heritage). Myrtle grew up in New Orleans; she was the youngest of the eight Bourquard children. She was a proud graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School – “Class of ’59.” It was while she was in high school that she met the love of her life, Ronald “Ronnie” Barras, on a blind date. (Myrtle’s dad, Eddie Bourquard, was not too thrilled to see a ‘sailor’ show up to pick up his youngest daughter. If you knew Eddie, no explanation is needed). But, love persevered. Ronnie and Myrtle were married in the beautiful Holy Trinity Catholic Church on St. Ferdinand Street in New Orleans on July 10, 1960 - and they celebrated their 60th Anniversary on July 10, 2020. Of note, Ronnie and Myrtle held their wedding reception at Bud’s Flowers on St. Claude Avenue. At that time, Ronnie was the chauffer to Admiral Olson of the U.S. Coast Guard 8th District. It was a newsworthy event when Admiral Olson and the Chief of Staff, Captain Alexander, showed up at their wedding reception. Ronnie and Myrtle moved to Chalmette Vista in 1962 – where they raised their family. Myrtle was adamant about being a stay at home mom – and she sacrificed to be exactly that – by running the family businesses out of her home. She was co-owner of Delta Electric and then Barras Builders, dba, Ronnie’s Electric – which operated as a successful business for many years partly due to the dedication of their loyal employee, Gary Okronglis, whose commitment is much appreciated. Once the Barras girls were “almost” grown, Myrtle worked hard to get her real estate license; she took pride in helping many clients to design and custom build their dream homes.

Myrtle had a near-death experience in the early 1970s when she suffered from a tubal pregnancy. She said that as she cried out to the Lord on her way to emergency surgery; she was worried because there was no time to get a priest/spiritual leader. Her testimony is that the Lord spoke to her in an audible voice and said that there was no need for a mediator – that she could speak directly to Him and that He would be with her until the end of the Earth. He told her she would be His “little Moses” and that He would use her to lead souls to salvation. It was from that point on that she sought to have a close and personal relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was active in many area churches over the years. She attended Catholic Charismatic Renewal services at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette, she was a Sunday School teacher at the United Methodist Church in Chalmette, she was an active member of Word of Faith Church in New Orleans East (Pastors Charles and Barbara Green), she was an active member of the Assembly of God Tabernacle, Chalmette, (Pastors Forrest and Johnnie Mae Hall, Pastors Julian and Rachel Walker, Pastors Dwayne and Naomi Duck, and Pastors Carl and Dawn Catalanotto). It was at the Assembly of God Tabernacle that she taught a “New Converts to Christ” class; she also wrote weekly articles documenting testimonies of her students. She was instrumental in negotiating the real estate on Paris Road for “The Tabernacle” – even foregoing the tens of thousands of dollars in commissions she would have received – and she would have it no other way. Many of her family members followed her lead to attend the Assembly of God Tabernacle. Myrtle was also an active member of Adullam Christian Fellowship in Arabi, (Pastors Randy and Jill Millet), and Glory Bound/River of Life in Braithwaite, (Pastors Steve and Theresa McKnight). As everyone knows, Hurricane Katrina changed everything. After Katrina, Myrtle attended The Rock Church in Slidell, (Pastors Craig and Tina Wells), and River Life Fellowship in Pearl River, (Pastors Mike and Kris Lairsey). So many churches, so little time! And through it all, she stayed connected to World Prayer Tabernacle (Pastors Derek and Bonnie Buchert), where she intermittently attended services. Myrtle loved her family more than life itself. Her family has always been very close-knit. Her daughters are all independent, but unique and special in their own way. They have all chosen different paths in life. When her “oldest daughter,” Gina, chose a career in law enforcement, she said, “What? You’re going to be a cop? My knees will have calluses from praying for your safety!” (It worked). Annette, “the middle daughter,” chose to be a stay at home mom – just like her mom – and recently found her niche in life as a substitute teacher. And “the baby,” Darlene, is the hardest working logistics expert in town. Myrtle’s niece, Julie Goodwin Nitsch has earned the very prestigious title of “The 4th Sister.” Myrtle adored her only grandchild, Brandon. She was probably the proudest grandparent at his graduation from Louisiana Tech – as she watched Brandon walk across the stage to receive his Bachelor of Computer Science degree – and she certainly benefited from the free technical support he so graciously provided. She always looked forward to taking him, along with PawPaw Ronnie, on surprise excursions around the state. Myrtle loved her sons-in-law, “Glenn” Holland and Joseph Serpas – and they loved her. If “Mom” needed them, they were there – and it was never too much trouble. She always looked forward to Glenn putting up lights on her house during Christmas time and making fabulous birthday cakes for everyone’s birthday - and Joe doing her garden in the spring. These two men truly treasured her and were the first to step up to help her in her time of need – many times. She was grateful for all of their help – although she did not like to ask for help. Second to family, Myrtle loved her pets. She has had so many pets over the years. While she was sick, she kept reminding her family, “Take care of my babies.” Her babies are her Pomeranian, Missy Marie, and her African Gray Parrot, Precious. They both loved her and will miss her tremendously. Myrtle’s family will miss her smile, her sense of humor and her Godly wisdom. Not to mention her eye rolls – or “the stare.” Her family was not ready to let her go, but she made it very clear that she didn’t want “to live like this.” Her family is grateful that her horrible suffering is over and that she is at her Camp in Heaven. (Most people want a castle, but she definitely wanted a camp. She sure loved her camp on Marquez Island – until Hurricane Katrina so viciously took it). In her final days, Myrtle was calling out to her Mom and her siblings who predeceased her. The family is convinced that they are all together having one of those fabulous Bourquard family parties – and if you have ever been to one of those big Bourquard family parties, you will understand. The Barras family would like to express their gratitude to Myrtle’s caretakers, Angel Galloway and Tammy Williams for the superb and loving care they provided. These two spiritual ladies prayed with Myrtle every day and tended to her every need. The Barras family feels blessed to have had their help in their time of need. The Barras family would like to extend their thanks to Passages Hospice for helping them through this difficult time. Myrtle’s registered nurse, Victoria, stayed with the family during her passing, which was of great comfort. The professionalism of the staff of Passages was much appreciated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at WORLD PRAYER TABERNACLE, 4030 Paris Road, in Chalmette, on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 PM. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. As a reminder, please wear your mask as mandated, and remember to practice physical distancing.