Joan Bradley Broussard

Joan Elizabeth Bradley Broussard died July 4, 2026 in her home at the age of 91. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James Daniel and Elizabeth C. Thistle Bradley. She is preceded in death by her two loving sisters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Devine and Lynne Bradley.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Warren J. Broussard, their six children and spouses, Brad Broussard (Larissa), Celia Gilstrap (Robert), David Broussard (Beth), Claudia Irvin (Montell), Nanci Charpentier (Troy), and Eric Broussard (Julie), 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Joan was born of strong Irish heritage and throughout her life was surrounded by an abundance of family and friends. Upon marriage, her mother-in-law taught her many Cajun delicacies and thus pots of gumbo and etouffee were shared with many around our table.

Joan was educated at Convent of the Sacred Heart, Overbrook in Philadelphia and attended St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing earning her nursing certification and becoming a Registered Nurse. It was during her time as a nurse working in White Plains, New York in 1959 that Joan traveled to Italy with girlfriends. It was in Venice where she met Warren who was on shore leave from his Naval ship. By February of 1960 they married and moved to Baton Rouge, where they shared their lives together.

Her involvement in the Baton Rouge community has been extensive. She was part of the foundation, planning, and establishment of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the mid-1970s, including the planning committee, first sacristan, training altar servers and cross bearers, a lector, a eucharistic minister, fair committee ministry, home bound ministry, hospital ministry, and The Shannon Signal newspaper editor and writer.

Scouting for her children was important. Her sons and daughters were involved from first grade through high school. Joan was Girl Scout Leader and advisor; led and instructed religious awards for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. She established and organized Ecumenical Retreats for Girl Scouts of all religious backgrounds at Camp Marydale, though she never liked camping. She was a recipient of the St. Anne Medal by the Catholic Committee on Scouting, the St. George Emblem by the Boy Scouts of America, and the Thanks Badges I and II by Audubon Council Girl Scouts.

Raising her six children in Cedarcrest-Southmoor Subdivision, Joan was involved in the civic association and a driving force behind the neighborhood swimming pool, serving as president managing and maintaining this special place in our community for families to come together.

Having a great appreciation for her Irish roots, Joan was dedicated and deeply involved in researching her extensive family genealogy. She traveled to Ireland with friends and family to research, seeking out churches and cemeteries, and meeting distant relatives, all the while falling in love with the people and the places. One story involves word of mouth when their car needed repairs and in conversation they learned of “Old Patrick” that might be of help and learned they were distantly related. It has led to many happy stories, memories, and friendships.

Joan was a member of the Baton Rouge Irish Club. She and Warren traveled to New Orleans many times to enjoy live Irish music.

Joan was a giver and a doer all of her life. Most important to her has been Warren, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, instilling in all the commitment and dedication of our family to one another and to the community that surrounds each of us. Her round kitchen table, given to her by her father who was in the restaurant business, has been the gathering centerpiece of our family and many debates, arguments, jokes, and mostly truthful stories have been shared and retold many times here, blessing each meal and all who entered her home.

Special thanks to the people who supported and cared for Joan in recent months, including family, neighbors, attentive caregivers, and dedicated nurses. You have each blessed Joan and her family.

You are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Ln., Baton Rouge. Visitation at 9:00 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, officiated by Fr. Eddie Martin. Burial to follow at Greenoaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Hospice of Baton Rouge.