Patricia Ruth Burguieres Fernandez

Patricia Ruth Burguieres Fernandez, beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Saturday, January 20, 2024, of complications from the stroke she suffered last May. She was surrounded by all her children at the home of her daughter Marie, who was caring for her. She was 89 years old.

Mrs. Fernandez was born in 1934 and was the third of seven daughters who shared a small house on River Road in Destrehan, La. She was in 4-H, cheerleading, and basketball, and was editor of the high school yearbook. In the summer after graduation, she became a “Navy wife” and began bouncing around the states with her growing family. From Louisiana to Missouri and Texas and Oklahoma and Georgia and finally all the way out to Arizona, she kept everyone clothed and fed and still found time to go to football games, basketball games, baseball games, softball games, and concerts. She expertly made outfits, Halloween costumes, prom dresses, wedding dresses, and bridesmaids’ dresses. She decorated and redecorated, reupholstered, and crafted. After the family finally settled in Arizona, her kitchen was like a Louisiana embassy in the desert; even 100-degree heat wouldn’t stop her from making gumbo for company. Her black bottom pies were legendary, enticing everyone from neighbors to baseball recruiters. She was never happier than at holidays and special occasions that involved cooking for a crowd.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jules M. Burguieres and Elodie Bergeron Burguieres; sisters Peggy Baudouin, Barbara Mire, Dolores LeBlanc, and Josie Moreau; and her husband of 65 years, Arthur Joseph Fernandez Jr. In addition to her sisters Gail Burguieres Cambre and Elodie Burguieres, she is survived by her five children, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy and who will miss her immensely.

Mrs. Fernandez’s services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 13396 River Rd. Destrehan, LA. Visitation will begin at 11AM with Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 1PM. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.