Rachel Doucet Courville, a native and lifelong resident of Catahoula, passed away peacefully Friday, July 8, 2022 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton following a brief illness. At her passing she was 55.
Rachel was born January 11, 1967 in St. Martinville to Arsene Doucet Blanchard and the late Wilmer Blanchard and was one of four children. Her children and family spoke of her with smiles on their faces, laughter, and tears in their eyes about how much she loved her family and lived every single moment for them. The laughed reminiscing about her playful manner, picking on her sisters and bragging about being the “Boss”. When asked, what was the one thing they loved most about her, it was the deep devotion and love that Rachel carried in her heart for her family. She lived a simple life, yet filled with everything she desired. We rejoice in knowing that Rachel is not gone, only gone on before us and we will one day be reunited with her. Rest well Rachel. We love you.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Lindsey Doucet, Coby Courville and companion Abby LeBlanc, and Bethanie Doucet; her grandchildren whom she adored, Rozlynn Gaudet, Zachary Courville, and a grandson expected in August, Drake Courville; her dear mother, Arsene Doucet Blanchard; her former husband and friend, Lennis “Nanu” Courville; her brother and sisters, Arliss Blanchard, Rosalyn B. Dartez and husband Ben Dartez, and Crystal Blanchard and husband Allen “Bert” Blanchard, Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wilmer Blanchard; and her grandparents, Alexander and Tessie Lasseigne Doucet and Felix and Corrine Albert Blanchard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Rachel at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 12 at St. Rita Catholic Church in Catahoula. Fr. Jason Vidrine, Pastor of St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, will be the celebrant. Following the mass, Rachel will be laid to rest at Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Dion Hall on Monday from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, with Deacon Russell Hayes leading the Rosary at 7:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Tuesday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am dismissal prayers.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Coby Courville, Arliss Blanchard, Ben Dartez, Blake Courville, Bryson Dartez, Kaden Dartez, Devin Blanchard and Daniel Blanchard.
Family and friends are encouraged to share the memories and condolences with the family by visiting Rachel’s memorial page at www.evangelinestmartin.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.