She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald James Estopinal; her son, Richard Estopinal; and her parents, Alma Songe Triche and Janave Triche.
June is survived by her children, Suzanne Burgard (David) of Metairie, LA, Michele Szymankiewicz (the late, Raymond) of Lacombe, LA, David Estopinal of Metairie, LA, Jolie Harris (Rodney) of River Ridge, LA, Annette Estopinal of Metairie, LA and John Estopinal of Metairie, LA; grandchildren, Stephanie Burgard Young (Keith), Stacy Burgard Brower (PJ), Brian Harris (Adley), Rachel Harris, Greg Harris (Katie), Chris Harris and Sarah Szymankiewicz (Mark); great- grandchildren, Devin Morrill, Tayler Young, Avery Young, Kade Young, Aubrey Brower, Claire Cooper, Katherine Cooper, John-Paul Cooper and Leo Cooper; great-great grandchild, Grayson Harris.
June graduated from McMain High School and later became a mother extraordinaire. She loved all her children with all her heart and soul and always said how proud she was of each one. Because of the time she needed to spend with her four handicapped children, she became a advocate for the special needs population. She started Special Rollers Bowling League in 1981 for handicapped persons; with that idea, she believed if they stayed active, their lives could be healthier and extended beyond expectations. Every weekend, 100-120 bowlers would attend to spend time with friends, cheering each other on in friendly competition. June also participated in We Care for Special People, which provides activities for handicapped people, as a coach for basketball and baseball. After Sr. Lillian McCormack founded St. Michael Special School in 1965, June’s oldest son became one of the first students and subsequently, three additional children attended this special place. St. Michael’s was a God-send for parents of special-needs children, as there were few options for them at the time. June volunteered at the school and would sometimes ride the school bus in the morning, and ride it home in the afternoon. Some would reach out to June when they would refer a parent of a baby or child with special needs and the parents were worried or overwhelmed. She would assure them that God would give them what they needed to care for their child and that they would experience joy of pure love. When her first handicapped child was born and diagnosed with developmental disability, the doctor told her he would never feed or dress himself. He was wrong. June was determined that this child would be self sufficient in as many ways as possible. And as the others came along, the same high expectations were demanded. You should see them all today. They are amazing. She was also a member of St. Ann Church and Shrine for many years. June was a selfless and kind person as well as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Thank you to all friends and family who helped to care for her in the last few years. You will all be blessed for your care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in June’s name to St. Michael’s Special School, 1522 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, La 70130 .
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass held at St. Ann Church and Shrine at 3601 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, LA on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:30am. Visitation will begin at 10am. Interment will be at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.
To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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