A devoted wife, loving mother, and welcoming spirit to all, Betty Ann Bourgeois died Sunday December 6, 2020, at her home. She was 91, a native of Head Of Island, and resident of Duck Roost. She lived a life of service and was a compassionate supporter of her community. An advocate for justice and equality, she accepted people as they are and frequently counseled friends in need with great wisdom and love. She was an educator for more than 60 years. Her career began at St. Amant High School in 1947. She served as Director of Religious Education for Holy Rosary Catholic Church and later for the Diocese of Baton Rouge where she became Director of Spiritual Formation and was the first layperson ever named to the Bishop’s cabinet. After retiring from the Catholic Church, she returned to public school education and taught at East Ascension High School until her retirement at age 85. Due to COVID19, memorial arrangements will be private. She is survived by two sons, Tim Bourgeois and his wife, Debby, and Blaise Bourgeois and his wife, Laurie; six daughters, Melanie Bourgeois and her husband, Cornell, Patrice Pujol and her husband, Tim, Jeanne Bourgeois, Amy Lawrence and her husband, Chris, and Andrée Bourgeois and her wife Robin; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and brother Jack Anderson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Damian; son, Gregory, daughter, Collette; mother, Edna Jewel Anderson; and brother James Anderson. To honor Betty’s years of volunteering with Charlie’s Place and the many members of the Bourgeois Family who have benefitted from their services, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 or http://alzbr.wpengine.com/donate/ 225-334-7494. Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales is in charge of arrangements.
