Sammie Mary Villnuve Melancon, a native and lifelong resident of Sorrento, LA, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 98. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, great, and great-great grandmother, a devout Catholic, and a lifelong parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church, where she served in many roles throughout her life. She and her late husband, William Joseph “Frank” Melancon, established Sorrento Lumber Co., Inc. in 1944 and she was proud and humbled to celebrate the business’ 80th year anniversary. After raising her children, she enjoyed playing cards and golf with the ladies, as well as working in her yard; she loved her flowers. She is survived by two children, son, John Grady Melancon (Peggy) and daughter, Jackie Melancon Fife (Don); grandchildren, Jeffrey Melancon (Pam), Bart Melancon (Robin), Ron Melancon (Shaunna), Lindsay Fife Berthelot (Phil), Lathan Fife (London); great-grandchildren, Morgan Cleary, Mandie Driver, Mason, Rylie, and Stran Melancon, Kayla Wymore, Brittain Bercegeay, Preston, Peyton, and Paxton Berthelot, and Landon Ledet; great great-grandchildren, Thomas, Peter, and James Cleary, William Driver, Michael Melancon, and Shiloh Wymore; sister, Judith “Jut” Babin; brothers-in-law, Edmond “Bibbie” Lee and Gary Babin. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph “Frank” Melancon; parents, Louis Albert Villnuve and Philomene “Mano” LeBlanc Villnuve; son, Kenneth J. Melancon; and sisters, Elnora Trabeau Decoteau and Hazel May Lee.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Visitation on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA 70737, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: Jeffrey Melancon, Bart Melancon, Ron Melancon, Lathan Fife, Phil Berthelot, Mason Melancon, Stran Melancon, Preston Berthelot, and Peyton Berthelot. Honorary pallbearers include: Edmond “Bibbie” Lee and Gary Babin. Interment will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to her two caregivers, Ms. Joan and Ms. Roberta, for their compassionate care and unselfish love; Ms. Ruth Humphrey and Mrs. Carolyn Melancon for administering Holy Communion at her home, as well as BR Hospice, especially Ms. Kim, for her unwavering guidance and support. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared to www.oursofh.com.
