Althea Berteau (“Tita”) Espey, born January 19, 1929, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at 10:15 a.m. one week after her 90th birthday celebration. For those who may not know, Althea’s nickname, Tita, originated from her brother’s (mis)pronunciation of “Sister.”
Althea enjoyed watching football, basketball and baseball games on television along with her favorite game shows. She also enjoyed years of pokeno, bingo and casino runs where “she didn’t win anything, but she always had fun.” In her last 3 years at Azalea Estates Assisted Living, she enjoyed listening to the live music as well as attending daily Rosary, communion service and family night bingo. Most of her family and friends and friends of her children, will remember her most for homemade brownies, praline pecan squares, and the best fried chicken and cornbread dressing in the South. Althea is survived by her six (6) children, whom she raised alone after the untimely death of her husband, Melvin Leon Espey. Brenda Fairchild (Ronnie); Gayle Norman (Joe); Darell Espey (Susan Rayburn); Melanie Boudreaux (Kirk); Kevin Espey (Lisa Woodruff); and Keith Espey (Pam Habetz). She is also survived by grandchildren: Chad Fairchild (Kathy Giannobile), Scott Fairchild and Rusty Fairchild (Misty LeBlanc); Cody LeBlanc; Clay Espey, Kayla Leggett (Jamie), Logan Espey, Brittany Duhon (Stephen), and Lauren McLin (Cody); Tate Boudreaux (Amanda Henne) and Joel Boudreaux (Andrea Ferrari); Ryan Espey (Kaitlyn Guerin) and Rebecca Espey; Anna Guedry (Forrest). Althea is also survived by 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren with 2 more expected in July. Visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Highway, Gonzales, LA. on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with further visitation on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, Gonzales, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Eric Gyan. Burial to follow at the Prairieville Community Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family of Althea B. “Tita” Espey will be forever grateful for the wonderful care she received from the Staff at Azalea Assisted Living and greatly appreciate the tender compassionate care given to her in her last days and hours by the St. Elizabeth ICU team Zona, Kate, Toby, and Stephanie as well as Dr. Field, Dr. Trip, Christine and Lizzie on the second floor. Special thanks to Fr. Denis for his wonderful spiritual guidance and comfort in our time of need. To offer condolences to the family you may visit our website at www.oursofh.com. Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales, LA. in charge of arrangements.
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