Loretta "Jane" Labiche Patin

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Patin family announces the passing of their beloved matriarch, Loretta Labiche "Jane" Patin, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend to many. Jane passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, compassion, and service to her family and community. She was 83.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jane's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. William C. Blanda, V.F. serving as celebrant. Following the Mass, Jane will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

A native of Patoutville, Louisiana, Jane, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 27, 1942, to the late Eli Labiche and Ada Landry Labiche. She graduated from New Iberia High School before earning her nursing degree from T.H. Harris School of Nursing. Although nursing was her calling, she soon realized that her greatest vocation was motherhood. She lovingly set aside her professional career to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to raising her five daughters, creating a home where love was abundant, the front door was always open, and everyone was welcomed like family.

Jane was an extraordinary cook whose greatest joy came from seeing family and friends gathered around her table, sharing a meal, laughter, and conversation. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and everyone who entered was welcomed with warmth and hospitality. She possessed a gentle spirit but was never afraid to lovingly correct someone when they stepped out of line—especially if she called you by your middle name. It was simply her way of guiding those she loved. She always placed the needs of others before her own, especially when it came to caring for the love of her life, her husband and best friend, Gerald. Their 63-year marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love, partnership, and devotion.

Jane's daughters grew up surrounded by her endless encouragement and unwavering presence. She organized neighborhood parties, coached their softball teams, led Girl Scout troops, volunteered at school, and made sure there was a home-cooked meal waiting on the table every evening. Looking back, her children remember not the grand gestures, but the countless everyday moments that mattered most—because their mother never missed a game, dance recital, school event, or milestone. She simply showed up, every time, with unconditional love.

She never met a stranger. Whether offering a helping hand, words of encouragement, or what her family affectionately called one of her "prayerful lectures," Jane made everyone she encountered feel seen, valued, and loved.

But her servant's heart was formed long before adulthood. Growing up in Weeks Island, Jane witnessed firsthand the generosity of her parents, who often traded goods and services with neighbors during difficult times. Those early lessons in kindness and compassion shaped the woman she became and inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others. They also became the foundation upon which she and Gerald raised their family, balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with an unwavering dedication to civic service, health and human services, and the promotion of South Louisiana's businesses and rich culture.

After raising their daughters, Jane and Gerald sold the last of their regional Goodyear stores and embarked on another chapter of service. Together, they volunteered with the American Red Cross, becoming certified disaster responders who traveled in the Red Cross RV to assist communities affected by hurricanes, floods, and other disasters, regardless of weather or distance. Jane also devoted countless hours to the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center, serving in numerous capacities to help individuals and families in need. Her guiding philosophy was simple: "The Lord needs us to take care of others in need." She lived those words each and every day.

Though she accomplished so much, Jane never sought recognition. She preferred to shine the light on others rather than herself. Whether dressing as Father Goose for the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program to encourage children to discover the joy of reading or lending her beautiful second soprano voice to the choir at St. Peter's Catholic Church, she quietly gave of herself without expecting praise or acknowledgment.

Jane's love for her community was evident through her involvement in numerous civic organizations. She was formerly an active member of the Downtown Merchants Association, Beta Sigma Phi–Kappa Chapter, the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, and many other community groups dedicated to making New Iberia a better place. Her generosity and civic pride were perhaps best expressed in a quote she once shared with Life Styles Magazine: "This town has given so much to us, with the blessings our family has experienced. We love giving back to others and hope that others will be inspired to do the same for the community."

Though her gentle hands are now at rest, the love Jane poured into her family and community will continue to flourish for generations to come. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, sacrifice, compassion, humility, and unconditional love. She made the world brighter simply by living in it.

Above all else, Jane's greatest joy was her family. Affectionately known as "Granny" and "BB," she cherished every moment spent with her eight grandchildren: Brett Derouen, Leon E. Roy IV, Jayda M. Bradford, Alex E. Derouen, Joseph M. Bradford, David A. Kelly II, Cameron E. Hebert, and Micah T. Hebert. Her heart grew even fuller with the birth of her precious great-granddaughter, Eloise E. Derouen, who brought her immeasurable happiness.

Jane is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Gerald Patin; her daughters, Phyllis Richard (Robert), Jon Gonsoulin (Mark), Frances Kelly (David), and Suzanne Hebert (Trent); her sister, Lorita Labiche Howard; her eight grandchildren; her cherished great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli Labiche and Ada Landry Labiche; her beloved daughter, Jana Maria Theresa Patin; and her brothers, Russell Labiche and Ray Labiche.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses and therapists at Ochsner St. Martin Hospital and to Heart of Hospice for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they so graciously provided to Jane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane's memory to the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center, 432 Bank Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.

Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Jane's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is honored to serve the Patin family with arrangements.