NEW IBERIA- Patricia "Pat" Tauriac Helaire, age 68, of Carencro, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Pat was a woman who exuded kindness, warmth, and an unshakeable love for those around her. Above all, her greatest joy in life came from being with her family. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones, and they will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Pat had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her love for them was immeasurable. She adored each of them. Pat found peace and joy in the outdoors, especially crabbing and spending time at the beach. Her passion for gardening allowed her to plant beautiful flowers and vegetables. Pat was also known for her culinary skills, with her smothered okra being a particular favorite among family and friends. Pat had a dedicated career with the Lafayette Parish School Board, working for 18 years before retiring. Throughout her career, her love for children and her desire to serve others were evident in everything she did. She touched the lives of many students and colleagues, leaving behind a legacy of service and care.
She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Johnny Helaire; her son Johnny C. Helaire; her daughter Falicity Helaire Harris (Marcus) ; her brothers, Theodule Tauriac (Cynthia) and Charles Tauriac; her brother-in-law Roy Broussard; and her cherished grandchildren, Favian Helaire, Isaiah Helaire, Payton Helaire, Ja-Naja Helaire, Ja-Miri Helaire, Johnae Helaire, and Dre Brown; and great grandchildren, Nia Helaire and Kylan Helaire.
Pat was preceded in death by her father, Albert Tauriac Sr.; her mother, Rena Fontenot Tauriac; her brother, Albert Tauriac Jr.; her sister, Shirley Tauriac Broussard; her sister-in-law, Rosemary Tauriac; and her grandchild, Xavier Helaire.
A visitation for Pat will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:45 AM at Evangeline Funeral Home. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM by the Men's Rosary Group, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at Patoutville Cemetery in New Iberia, LA immediately following the services.
Serving as pallbearers are Favian Helaire, Isaiah Helaire, Ja’Naja Helaire, Ja-Miri Helaire, Johnae Helaire, Dre Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Helaire, Johnny C. Helaire, Charles Tauriac, Theodule Tauriac, Marlon Tauriac, William Hamilton, and Herbert Broussard.
Pat's love for others, her dedication to her family, and her unyielding spirit will be dearly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Pat.
To view the on-line obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
