"All I ever wanted was a family of my own," said Gloria Broussard DeRouen. She fulfilled her heart's desire and was blessed to witness five generations of that family.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 27, 1925, to Pearl and Leon Broussard, Gloria peacefully left this earth on May 30, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100 years, 6 months, and 3 days.
When Gloria was only seven days old, she lost her mother. Although her father remained an important part of her life, she was lovingly reared by her grandmother, Celemine Landry, and her two devoted aunts, Mary L. Stephens and Genevieve L. Armstrong. Gloria spent her childhood in New Orleans and treasured her summers with her father's family in New Iberia, Louisiana. It was there that she met the love of her life, Carroll "Chuccie" DeRouen.
Gloria and Chuccie shared 60 years of marriage and built the family she had always dreamed of. Together they raised six children over a span of twenty years: Wayne (Debra) DeRouen, Annette (John) Arton, Janelle (Ken) Marcel, Mary Beth DeRouen, JoAnne DeRouen, and Carolyn Lambeth. Her legacy continues through her 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, with one more eagerly anticipated addition on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved grandmother and aunts who raised her; her husband, Carroll "Chuccie" DeRouen; her grandson, Miles Jasper Lambeth; and her son-in-law, Steve Broussard.
Gloria was the very definition of a lady—a gentle, loving soul whose life was devoted to caring for others. From her younger years caring for her grandmother and aunts to raising her own family, she gave of herself tirelessly and lovingly. She was an exceptional homemaker, an excellent cook, and a talented seamstress. Whether preparing the next memorable family meal or sewing for one of her five daughters, Gloria found joy in caring for those she loved.
For many years, she was an active member of the Sewing Club and Homemakers Club in New Iberia. She later volunteered as a Pink Lady at Iberia General Hospital, facilitated Little Rock Bible Studies at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and welcomed neighbors into her home each week for the recitation of the Rosary. Ever curious and eager to learn, Gloria even embraced technology, learning to use a computer and spending hours researching topics that interested her.
Gloria's loving and selfless nature was perhaps most evident in the devoted care she provided to Chuccie during the many years leading up to his passing in 2006. After his death, she found a new adventure in life. At the age of 80, she began traveling and continued exploring new places and experiences for the next decade. Eventually, she moved to Lafayette to be closer to her children and family.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sherrie Vincent, Mary Griffin, and Hospice of Acadiana for the tender care, compassion, and support they provided to Gloria during her final days.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home in New Iberia on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visiting hours will resume on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., followed by dismissal to church.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Gloria's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Fr. Mario Romero will serve as celebrant, with concelebrants Fr. Ed Degeyter, Fr. Keith Landry and Fr. Aaron Melancon. Assisting will be Gloria's great-grandson, newly ordained Transitional Deacon Haden Coleman.
Serving as pallbearers will be her six grandsons: Skipper DeRouen, Gerald DeRouen, Brad Arton, Steve Arton, Nick LeBlanc, and Jacques Comeaux. Gift bearers will be her three granddaughters: Brandi LeBlanc, Zoe Darlington, and Reese Lambeth.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gloria's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of one's choice.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the DeRouen family by visiting Gloria's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is honored to serve the DeRouen family.
