Myrtle "Merkey" Marchand Bourgeois

Myrtle "Merkey" Marchand Bourgeois, 79, of Gonzales Louisiana gained her angel wings on Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home with family after a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Ascension Parish, she was born to Edward and Genevieve Marchand on March 27, 1944. She attended Dutchtown High School where she played basketball and was a Majorette, and graduated in 1962. She spent many years married to the late Stanley "Pluke" Bourgeois, the love of her life, who preceded her passing in 2016. She is survived by her children, Trudy Mire (Randy), Trella Bourque (Harry), Tammy Durbin (Kevin), and Ronald Bourque Jr.; She is also survived by her siblings, Shirley Pourciau and Larry Marchand (Rochelle); grandchildren, Brandy Mapes (Chris), Jadeyn Bourque, Kaitlin Durbin, Ainsley Durbin, Alexis Dean (Johnathan), and Breahna Bourque; nine great-grandchildren, Virgil, Emile, Rowan, Jordan, Mazzy, Zoe, Ezequiel, Adalyne, and Vivian; stepson, Neil Bourgeois (Gilda); step grandchildren, Shauntell Berteau (Micah), Jerrika Hebert Neil and Cody Bourgeois and 3 step great grandchildren, Abbie, Brady, and Cameron; along with her beloved cat, Smokey; and many other close family and friends. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in passing by her parents; her siblings, Alton Barriconi, Jane Everett, Regina Guedry, and Edward Marchand; grandson, Quinton Paul Bourque; daughter-in-law, Heidi Bourque; stepchildren, Marty and Trista Bourgeois; and her beloved pets, Ginger and Precious. Merkey was a long-time parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, a gifted gardener, a clean freak", and truly one of the warmest and funniest people her family and friends were blessed to know. She enjoyed her relationship with the Lord, spending time with her family, and working in her home above all else. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation which will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant from 9:30 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Committal service will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Randy Mire, Kevin Durbin, Ronald Bourque Jr., Troy Woodward, Joey Mire, and Cody Bourgeois. The Honorary Pallbearer will be Trudy Mire. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oursofh.com for the Bourgeois family.