Beryl Boutte Freeman

NEW IBERIA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for Mrs. Robert Edmund “R. E.” Freeman, Jr., the former Beryl Boutte, age 87, at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Fr. Mark Derise will be the celebrant for the services. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am on Friday until service time.

A native and resident of New Iberia, Mrs. Freeman passed away at 3:45 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at her residence.

Mrs. Freeman was a graduate of Mt. Carmel in New Iberia and the Dominican College in New Orleans. Upon graduation she taught school in Delcambre for a brief period and served as the accountant for her family business, E.M. Boutte’ Dairy Farm for many years. In her younger years she enjoyed hunting and fishing, she also liked to do some gardening, crafts and ceramics. She really enjoyed spending time with her family and the company of her dear friends when they would meet for lunch.

Mrs. Freeman is survived by her son, Robert Freeman and wife Suzanne of New Iberia; one daughter, Jennifer F. McElligott and husband Richard of Lafayette; five grandchildren, Alison F. Howes and husband Rich; Michael Freeman and wife Breyan; Matthew Freeman; Kristen McElligott and Patrick McElligott; four great grandchildren, Jack Thomas Freeman; Katherine Freeman; Caroline Freeman and Abigail Howes and one brother, James Boutte and his wife Evelyn of New Iberia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Edmund “R.E.” Freeman, Jr.; parents, Edward M. and Leontine Courrege Boutte, Sr.; and two brothers, Edward Boutte, Jr. and Lloyd Boutte.

Pallbearers will be Michael Freeman, Matthew Freeman, Richard McElligott, Patrick McElligott, Rich Howes and Courtland Porter.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Boutte, Henry Porter and Gus Lamperez.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Beryl’s longtime sitters, especially Mary.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Lafayette Carmelites, Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace-1250 Carmel Drive-Lafayette, LA 70501.

To view on-line obituary, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.