Mercedes was born on October 20, 1961, in Loreauville, Louisiana, to Goldie Blanchard Bourque and the late Godfrey Peter Bourque, Sr. and was one of seven children born to that union. Mercedes graduated from New Iberia Senior High in 1980 and later attended Cosmetology School, where she honed her skills as a hairstylist. She also ventured into entrepreneurship, operating Dewey's Lounge in Youngsville, before dedicating 15 years of service to Walmart in Broussard.
Among her favorite pastimes were sewing, crafting, and shopping trips, but Mercedes found her greatest joy in the time spent with her family and friends, particularly her adored grandchildren.
May Mercedes Ann Bourque rest in peace, her legacy of love and cherished memories living on in the hearts of those she touched.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jake Bares (Crystal) and Ervin Bares (Ashley); Nicholas LeBlanc, who was like her own son; her grandchildren, Addison, Jacques, Eli, Blaze, Bre, Brayden, and Braxton Bares, and Brianna and Karli LeBlanc; her mother, Goldie Blanchard Bourque; her siblings, Godfrey Bourque, Jr. (Alicia), David Bourque (Christine), Marty Bourque, and Emma Judice; and her former husband and father of her sons, Michael Bares.
In addition to her father, Mercedes was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta Bourque; her brother, Hubert Bourque; her great-niece, Katelyn Hebert; and her grandchild, Stevie LeBlanc.
A funeral service celebrating Mercedes' life will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Evangeline Funeral Home, with Fr. Ed Degeyter officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Wednesday from 8:30 am until time of services, with the Men's Group leading the Rosary at 11:00 am.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ervin and Jake Bares, Nicholas LeBlanc, Marcus Mier, Jerard Bourque, and Brooks Judice. Robert Bourque and David Bourque, Jr. will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with Mercedes' family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is entrusted with the arrangements.
