Our beloved mother and grandmother, Marie Louise Francois Cormier, completed her earthly journey at 93 years old on July 28, 2018 and joined her faithful husband of 70 years, John Clelon (J.C.) Cormier, in eternal rest. Marie passed away surrounded by her children in an apartment she lived in after the family home, built by her husband, was flooded. She grew up on a family farm in Richard Settlement, Evangeline Parish, down the gravel road from her husband-to-be. After graduating from Church Point High, she taught at the school in Richard. After marriage she joined her husband who worked in Beaumont, Texas for a year. The couple returned to Richard Settlement and after the birth of her second child, they migrated to Baton Rouge after WWII and lived in the military barracks at Ryan Airport. The family moved back to Evangeline Parish for one more year to try farming again then made a permanent move to Baton Rouge where they raised their 8 children. Marie was a member of St. Gerard Majella and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, as well as the Ladies Altar and Rosary Society. She sacrificed so that her children received a Catholic school education. After being a homemaker and stay-at-home mother, she sought employment outside the home when her children were older until she was 83. She worked with the US Census Bureau one summer, then went on to work at D.H. Holmes in Delmont Village, Dillard’s, Capitol Area Legal Aid Services, a private legal aid lawyer, the Louisiana Department of Revenue and lastly Ameriprise Financial. She enjoyed singing Cajun songs when her husband played his accordion. Her favorite song was “J’ai Passe Devant Ta Porte.” Sometimes she and J.C. sang together at breakfast in French. Marie had a keen sense of humor. Her sons played jokes on her and she would play elaborate jokes on them in return. She enjoyed playing Bourre’ and watching her favorite shows; Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. She followed local, national and international news. She had a huge heart, trying to help those in need, and taught this compassion for others to all her children. After Hurricane Katrina, Marie and J.C. housed displaced nuns from the New Orleans Sisters of Christian Charity convent, of which her youngest daughter is a member. She is survived by her 8 children (with spouses): James Patrick and Cindy Cormier, Judith Cormier, Yvonne and Ronnie Bailey, Paul Douglas Cormier, Terry and Melanie Cormier, Debra Cormier, Sister Monica Cormier and Tim and Melissa Cormier. She leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great-great, all of whom delighted her. She also leaves behind several dozen nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Eldeen McBride Francois, her siblings (and spouses) Irene and Tatoo Meche, Burley and Juby Francois and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Hospital and Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be placed at www.greenoaksfunerals.com. It has been an honor for her 8 children to care for her at home as they did their father. Finally, we would like to thank the Nurses and Staff at Hospice in His Care for guiding us professionally in the loving, tender care of our mom. We especially thank Pierre Baker, Christi Cormier Kendrick and Lillie Mae Belle. Thanks also to Clara Anderson who helped us in the last 7 days of mom’s life to give her calm and gentle assistance.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation which will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 5 pm – 9 pm. Visitation will resume on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church 5354 Plank Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 from 9 am until Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11 am. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park.
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