Suzanne "Suzy" Patterson

Suzanne Bourgeois Patterson, known affectionately as "Suzy," of Gonzales, Louisiana, passed away June 5, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on February 13, 1942, to Harold A. and Elma G. Bourgeois, she lived her entire life in Gonzales — the community she loved and served for decades.

Suzy was a woman of deep Catholic faith, boundless warmth, and unwavering dedication to her community. A graduate of Dutchtown High School who later attended the Southwest Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), she spent much of her life as a successful business owner and public servant. Alongside her husband, she owned and operated several thriving businesses in Gonzales. Their first venture, Jay’s Quick Snak, opened in the early 1960s and became a favorite gathering place for many years of East Ascension High School athletes and students. They later opened Suzanne’s Fashions, a beloved local boutique that she operated for more than 30 years. Known for her impeccable style, keen business sense, and genuine care for others, Suzy helped countless women throughout Ascension Parish look and feel their best. In 2011, she retired after 16 years of service as Secretary to the Ascension Parish Council. Her ability to work effectively with people from all backgrounds earned the respect and admiration of council members and parish leaders alike. She served through the administrations of four different Parish Presidents, a testament to her professionalism, character, and the lasting relationships she built throughout her career. She was an active community member who gave generously of her time as a fundraiser and volunteer, and her family was always at the center of everything she did. Among the organizations she supported were the Cancer Leukemia Fundraiser, East Ascension High School Booster Club, Tiger Athletic Foundation, and St. Theresa School & Church, along with many others that shaped the Gonzales community she loved. A devoted parishioner of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, Suzy’s passions were rooted in faith, family, and LSU sports — particularly LSU baseball. Few things brought her more joy than settling in to watch her son Gregg play for legendary coach Skip Bertman at LSU. A passionate LSU women's basketball fan, she cheered alongside her cherished group of fellow devotees, the Daisies, for many seasons.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 34 years, Joseph A. "Jay" Patterson, who passed away in September 1996. Suzy is survived by her three daughters, DeEtte DeArmond (Johnny), Simone Henry (Bill), and Heidi Earles; her son, Gregg J. Patterson (Paige); her sister, Madeline Decoteau; her brother, Harold A. Bourgeois (Joyce); nine grandchildren, Alexandra Cudney (Trey), John DeArmond III (Jadah), Savannah Templet (Ryan), Sydney Henry, Madeline Earles, Jay Earles, Campbell Earles, Joseph Patterson, and Lauren Patterson; and four greatgrandchildren, Aubrey DeArmond, Emery DeArmond, Jack Cudney, and Cooper Cudney.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at St. James Place and Baton Rouge Hospice for their compassionate and devoted care, and a special thank you to her daughter-in-law, Paige Patterson, whose steadfast guidance and advocacy in her medical care was a gift beyond measure.

Visitation will be held at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church on Monday, June 15, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Interment at Hope Haven Mausoleum immediately thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Suzanne Patterson to the St. John Primary/St. Theresa Middle School Capital Campaign. For donation inquiries, please contact Duke Soulier at [email protected].