It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary Elaine Burgardt Smith announce her passing. A native of Halcomb, Kansas and resident of New Iberia, Mary Elaine passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
Mary was a devoted mother whose greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family and friends. She had a loving heart and a nurturing spirit, always finding happiness in taking care of others and making sure the people she loved were cared for.
Mary was more than a mother; she was a caregiver, a nurturer, and a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. Through her years of babysitting, she helped care for and raise many of them, creating lasting memories and bonds that would remain close to their hearts. She had a special way of making others feel loved, safe, and welcome, and her family was truly the center of her world.
Mary dedicated many years of service to BellSouth, where she worked as a switchboard operator before retiring to devote her time to caring for her only daughter. Her decision to retire reflected the depth of her love and commitment to her family.
She was also affectionately known as the “Puzzle Queen.” She had a genuine love for putting puzzles together and took great pleasure in watching each piece come together to create the finished picture. But what made her love of puzzles especially memorable was her generosity. After carefully completing a puzzle, she often enjoyed giving it back to the very person who had gifted it to her. This simple but thoughtful tradition was a reflection of her playful spirit, her thoughtfulness, and the joy she found in giving to others.
Though she may no longer be physically present, the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her. Her family will carry her memory forward, remembering her not only for the years she lived, but for the love she gave, the sacrifices she made, and the beautiful life she devoted to others.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Brooke Smith Loftus and husband Jason; one grandson, Logan Dore; two sisters, Kathy Story (Eddie); Linda Mouton; two brothers, Kenneth Burgardt and Joe Burgardt (Janel); her sister-in-law, Barbara Burgardt; her nieces and nephews, Craig Burgardt, Julie Burgardt, Cody Burgardt, Abby Oliver, Rachael Manasco, Luke Burgardt, Jake Burgardt, Laura Laine and Natalie Mouton and several great nieces and nephews.
Mary Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Smith; her parents, John and Louise Frank Burgardt, Jr.; one sister, Carol Burgardt; one brother, Daniel Burgardt; sister-in-law, Shirley Burgardt; brother-in-law, Clyde Mouton and her nephew, Dylan Mouton.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Evangeline Funeral Home with Deacon Durke Viator officiating. She will be laid to rest following the service at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday until time of service with a Rosary at 12:30.
The family would like to express their gratitude for exceptional care to Barbara Burgardt and the staff of Maison Teche, whom Mary loved very much.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
