It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the family of Dana Longstreth Pellerin announces her passing. A native of Oakland, California and a proud resident of New Iberia, Dana was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 82.
Dana grew up in a Navy family, moving throughout the United States as her father’s military service took them from place to place. At the age of 17, her family settled in New Iberia, a place she would proudly call home for the remainder of her life. It was there, during a trip to the grocery store, that she first caught the eye of James “Jimmy” Pellerin, who made his interest known with a playful wink. Their paths continued to cross on subsequent visits, and what began with a simple wink soon blossomed into a romance. When Dana learned that her family would be moving again, she faced a choice between leaving with them or staying with the young man she had fallen in love with. She chose Jimmy, and the day after her 18th birthday, they married, beginning a beautiful love story that would span 62 years. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming their two children, Brian and Cheryl.
When her children began school, Dana decided to pursue a calling of her own. She enrolled in nursing school at Teche Area Vocational School, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license on September 30, 1972, and beginning a nursing career that would span more than three decades.
Dana began her nursing career at Iberia Parish Hospital, where she spent two years working in several departments. Although she gained valuable experience in various areas, her heart belonged to labor and delivery, where she had the privilege of welcoming precious new lives into the world. She later accepted a position as office nurse for Dr. Edward Haile, OB/GYN, at the New Iberia Women’s Clinic. Her responsibilities extended far beyond the office, as she assisted Dr. Haile with deliveries and surgical procedures. Dana devoted 25 years to the clinic, cherishing every opportunity to care for expectant mothers and their babies. She later continued her nursing career with Dr. Gerald Elias, Jr., until her retirement in 2009.
Throughout her many years in nursing, Dana touched countless lives with her gentle spirit and genuine compassion. She had a special place in her heart for babies and often joked with her patients, “If you don’t want that baby, I’ll gladly take it.” Those who knew Dana understood that her words came from a heart filled with love for little ones. The affection she gave so freely was returned many times over. Even years later, former patients would recognize her while she was out and about, approach her with a smile, and remind her, “You were my nurse for my baby, and we loved you.” Those encounters warmed her heart and served as a lasting reminder of the difference she had made in the lives of so many families.
Outside of nursing, Dana found great joy in her many creative talents. A gifted and enthusiastic crafter, she loved quilting, sewing, crocheting, and needlepoint. She belonged to several quilting groups throughout the local area and across the state, and her beautiful quilts even earned her a blue ribbon. Her love of crafting became a treasured part of her relationship with her grandchildren, who fondly remember spending time with their grandmother choosing projects at Hobby Lobby and then enjoying entire days together painting ceramics, sewing, and creating special keepsakes. Those simple moments became cherished memories that will forever remain close to their hearts.
Dana also loved baking for her family and friends, sharing her homemade treats as another expression of her affection. Family trips were among her favorite pastimes, with a vacation to Disney World standing out as one of their most memorable adventures. Dana was a devoted Disney enthusiast, and her home was filled with Disney memorabilia, including an impressive collection of Mickey Mouse ears.
Above all, Dana treasured her family. Whether caring for others, creating something beautiful, or simply spending time with those she loved, she gave wholeheartedly of herself. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family leave a legacy that will live on through the many lives she touched.
Please give Daddy a hug and kiss from us all. May you find eternal peace in the heavens above. We love you.
Those left to cherish Dana’s beautiful memory are her children, Brian James Pellerin (Denise) and Cheryl Pellerin Foco (Steve); her four grandchildren, Emily Pellerin, Nicole Pellerin Reyes (Jacob), Blake Foco (Shyra), and Taylor Foco Chapman (Billy); and her precious great-granddaughter, Eliza Blake Foco.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, James “Jimmy” Pellerin; her parents, Glen Thomas Longstreth and Eleanor Louise Knoy Longstreth; her sister, Glenda Susan Longstreth; and her brothers, Thomas Dwayne Longstreth and George Irving Longstreth.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Dana’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Marcellus Catholic Church, with Fr. Keith Landry serving as celebrant. Following the Mass, Dana will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at St. Marcellus Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday, October 16, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A special presentation will be held before the Rosary presented by the Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard of which Dana was a member. Cheryl and present members will honor Dana’s life as a nurse and pay tribute to her service and compassion. Visitation will resume on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., when the procession will depart for the church.
Serving as pallbearers are Brian Pellerin, Steve Foco, Blake Foco, Billy Chapman, Ty Thibodeaux, and her closest and dearest friend, Irma Glaubrecht. Honorary pallbearers are Emily Pellerin, Nicole Reyes, Taylor Chapman, and Mozelle Fletcher.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Acadiana and to Dana’s devoted caregivers, Tamara Fusilier, Jadda Lewis, Diamond Williams, Cynthia Alexander, Belinda Arceneaux, Constance Hills, and Irma Tardy, for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they provided. Your dedication brought comfort to Dana and her family and will always be remembered with gratitude.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Dana’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
