Phyllis Ann Cureau

Phyllis Ann (Richard) Cureau, a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother, and friend, entered into heavenly bliss on Wednesday, July 20th, 2016 after a valiant yet elegant battle with cancer. She was 76. She passed peacefully in her sleep at home and in the company of loved ones.

Phyllis was born July 13, 1940 to the late Anatole and Rita Richard in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in the seventh ward, she was surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and plenty of love. In 1963 she married her teenage friend and neighbor, Charles Cureau, and was married almost 53 years. During this time she raised three children, supported her husband as he served our country in the United States Air Force, and travelled the world before settling in San Antonio in 1981.

Though she lived miles from Louisiana, she relished the rich traditions of her home town and was an expert cook when it came to Louisiana Creole cuisine. Always the generous one, she delighted in serving others particularly when it came to cooking. Anyone who came to her home probably had the pleasure of having an expertly cooked meal served at an impeccable table. Her specialties include crawfish bisque, crawfish pie, jambalaya, and her award winning file gumbo. No doubt the good Lord is enjoying some of her culinary creations right now!

She was deeply committed to our Lord and served her beloved church in some capacity in every parish in which she belonged. She has sung in the choir, been responsible for the theming of the church in accordance with the liturgical calendar, was honored to be a Eucharistic minister, was the care taker of the church linens and priest’s vestments for over twenty years, taught CCD, and assisted others in their spiritual journeys during ACTS retreats. She found great comfort in honoring the Blessed Mother Mary and lived with her as a role model. As 2 Timothy 4:7 puts it, “(She) fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Phyllis Cureau is preceded in death by her parents, Anatole and Rita Richard, brother George Dennis Richard, mother-in-law Myrtle Cureau, and two babies that God called home before birth.

She is survived by her husband Charles: children Monique Czyzewski and her husband Mark; sons Charles II (Chuck) and Ryan; brothers Leon, Sharbel, and Mario Richard; grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, and Jocelyn; and great granddaughter Sophia who will arrive in August. She also leaves behind numerous relatives and lifelong friends, including her beloved cousin Cynthia Ray and her best friend Jean Moore.

The family wishes to express gratitude to her medical caregivers Dr. Edward Kost, Dr. Edward Sargeant, and Nurse Amanda Schoelman for their skill and compassion during her final journey.

Visitation and rosary will be held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church (5919 Ingram Road, SanAntonio, TX 78228) on July 29, 2016 starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio Texas.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Vincent De Paul Society in the care of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church.

Arrangements under the direction of SUNSET NORTHWEST FUNERAL HOME, San Antonio, TX.