RSS Feed

Evelyn Marie
Hebert LeBlanc

Abbeville-Evelyn Marie Hebert LeBlanc departed this earth March 16, 2024, at the age of 98 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Evelyn was born in Abbeville on August 14, 1925. She was the last remaining sibling among 10 children born of Odile Amanda Lacasse Hebert and Henry Sylvester Hebert, Sr.
Evelyn’s grandmother, Amanda Odile LaForest LaCasse moved to Abbeville with her brother, Reverend Fabian LaForest from Joliette, Quebec, Canada following the death of her husband, Joseph Narcisse LaCasse, where they lived in the Rectory of the Catholic Church Father LaForest was rebuilding. Evelyn’s nine siblings who preceded her in death were Henry S. Hebert, Jr., Albertine “Tite Soeur” Sims, Alice Gordon, Marguerite “Meg” Broussard, Alfred J. Hebert, Robert J. Hebert, Yvonne deGraauw, Helen Pearson and Charles “Buddy” Hebert. 
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, attorney Edward Faisans LeBlanc, Sr. a gifted musician, artist and attorney of Abbeville, Louisiana. She is survived by their four children: Linda Margaret LeBlanc Osborne (Jerry), Edward Faisans LeBlanc, Jr., Michelle Simonette LeBlanc Fine (David), and Lisa Anne LeBlanc-Berry. She later also adopted another daughter, Sister Mary Evelyn Mire, O’Carm.
Evelyn loved to proudly share news of her devoted grandchildren: Kenneth Edward Purcell, (MaryAnne), Zachary Sewell Fine, Simonette LeBlanc Berry, (David Whatley and son, Simon), and Evelyn’s personal angel, the late Ariel LaForet Berry, and she adored her four great-grandchildren: Pierce, Leo, Finn and Kenan Purcell.  
After attending SLI college, on the occasion of her 20th birthday, a patriotic young Evelyn readily volunteered for service in the United States Naval Women’s Reserve (the WAVES). One day after her birthday , on August 15, 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of Japan. The day she was sworn into the WAVES the news of the surrender swept through Canal Street and on September 2, 1945, the Japanese dignitaries and General MacArthur signed the surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Evelyn earned an Honorable Discharge and then returned to Acadiana to work for Standard Oil & Gas Company in Lafayette. 
A devout Catholic, Evelyn married Ed at St. John’s Cathedral in Lafayette on December 22, 1945.
The newlyweds traveled extensively including adventures throughout South America and Cuba as political “good will ambassadors”. The young couple then settled into domestic bliss in Abbeville where Ed continued his law practice.
Following her husband’s sudden death in  1969, the young widow served as a deputy in the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court’s office. She simultaneously cultivated her talent for oil painting and created an extensive collection that remains treasured by family and friends. 
In 1985, at the age of 60, she launched her praline company, “Evelyn’s Pralines” with the assistance of her dear friend, “JB” Broussard who was beloved by Evelyn’s children. Shortly thereafter, her pralines were featured in Time Magazine, People Magazine, the Washington Post, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Houston Post, United Airlines’ Vis a Vis and The Art of Food magazines. She was also featured in various mail-order books including the McIlhenny’s Tabasco Country Store and Community Coffee catalogs.
Media reviews continued until her retirement: “Evelyn LeBlanc makes buttery rich pralines with a cult following,”(Miami Herald); “I’ve tasted pralines for years and I’ve never tasted any that came close to the indecently rich, creamy, nutty flavor of the mammoth pralines by Evelyn,” (Dallas Times Herald); “The best pralines I have ever tasted anywhere,” (People Magazine); and “There was blood in the halls as everyone fought for a second helping,” (CBS News). 
Her closely guarded original recipe, unadulterated with additives, yielded  ultra-creamy pecan-rich pralines, which became a prized Christmas holiday treat. Evelyn resisted generous offers for the purchase and partnering of her praline company. Never relenting, with an unwavering devotion to retaining the “hand-made” quality of her perfectionist confection, she became known as “The Praline Lady.”
At age 89, Evelyn’s thoughtful son, Eddie, gifted her with her first set of watercolors. Evelyn quickly mastered this new medium, emerging at age 90 a self-taught, accomplished watercolorist whose initial art opening was widely praised.
Until her final days, Evelyn’s keen interest in politics, art, sports (as a huge Saints fan), her sharp wit, sense of humor and zest for living captivated all who knew her. She was the  beloved family matriarch, and will be  dearly missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known such a creative, talented and endearing soul. The family wants to extend thanks to her primary caregiver, Carolyn Williams, for her dedication, attention and love of Evelyn during her last months, and to Eddie Robinson upon whom she relied for errands and transportation.
The Celebration of Life for Evelyn will be held on Friday April 5, 2024 in Abbeville. Visitation will begin 12:00 noon at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic church followed by a Rosary at 1:30 and a Holy Mass, celebrated by Father Danny Picard, at 2pm followed by a burial at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery 410 Old Kaplan Hwy Abbeville, LA 70510 as she returns to her beloved Abbeville.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home 209 S. Saint Charles St. Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-4661.

DELCAMBRE — Kerry “Bowtie” Bowen, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Delcambre, Louisiana, Bowtie’s zest for life, unparalleled sense of humor, and generous spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Enlisting in the Navy at 18, Bowtie served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War as a mechanic. His time in the Navy was followed by an academic pursuit at LSU, where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Despite the opportunity to work at NASA, Bowtie chose a different path, one that led him to his true passion: construction. Working alongside his then father-in-law, he honed his craft, eventually building beautiful homes for family and friends, long into his retirement in 2013.
Bowtie was the life of any gathering, known for his exceptional dance moves, love for music, and an ever-ready joke that could lighten the heaviest of hearts. He lived by the philosophy that strangers were simply friends he hadn’t met, often extending his help without hesitation.
His journey through life was filled with adventures, from serving his country to building a legacy through his work and the deep connections he made. Despite his travels and achievements, it was the simple joys—dancing, laughter, and family—that truly defined him.
Preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Bowen, his brother Thomas Bowen III and his nephew Matthew Bowen. Bowtie’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his brother Ricky Bowen (Lisa), his children: Christine Sprinkle (Rich), Krista Hoffpauir (Adam), Roddy Bowen, Brock Bowen, and Brooke Hebert (Tyler); his beloved grandchildren: Kayde Broussard, Camryn Broussard, Conner Bowen, Justin Lawrence, Ryan Lawrence, Libby Bethea, Braigh Pratt, Cathryn Broussard, Brynn Hebert, Sophie Hebert, Alix Hebert, Lola Bowen, and Isabella Vincent; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service celebrating Bowtie’s life will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre. A visitation will held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the service time. A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery where Bowtie will receive military honors by the Acadian Veterans Honor Guard.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kayde Broussard, Camryn Broussard, Connor Bowen, Kris Bowen, Matt Bowen, Rory Landry.
Honorary pallbearers are Roddy Bowen, Brock Bowen, Tyler Hebert, Jed Migues, Benny Migues, Ricky Bowen, Adam Hoffpauir, Eric Bowen and Brent Bowen.
Bowtie’s legacy is not just in the structures he built or the wars he fought, but in the laughter he shared, the dances he danced, and the lives he touched. He will be dearly missed, but the memories he created will forever bring smiles to those who were fortunate enough to know him.
To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.