RSS Feed

Miss Whitney Renée Freeland of Abbeville, Louisiana and Mr. John Peter Hensgens of Gueydan, Louisiana were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana with the Very Reverend Louis J. Richard officiating the 6’oclock in the evening ceremony.
Whitney is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Edward Freeland of Abbeville, Louisiana. She is the paternal granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Alcee Freeland of Gueydan, Louisiana and maternal granddaughter of Michael Pierre Broussard and the late Connie Minvielle Broussard of Abbeville.
Whitney is a 2014 graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville and a 2018 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She is employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center of Lafayette in the Intensive Care Unit.
John Peter is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Landry Hensgens of Gueydan, Louisiana. He is the paternal grandson of the late Nicholas and Doris Hensgens of Crowley, Louisiana and maternal grandson of the late Glady and Mary Trahan of Crowley.
John Peter is a 2013 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Louisiana. He is presently a local rice and crawfish farmer in Vermilion Parish.
Escorted by her father, Patrick Edward Freeland, the bride wore an ivory Martina Liana fit and flare wedding gown with a defined structure, complementing the slim silhouette effortlessly. The V-neckline with delicate straps was clean and fresh as it opened the décolletage for a gorgeous highlight to the upper body. To complete her dress was an elegant cathedral length train, fully adorned with fabric buttons, adding a timeless and traditional touch to the open back dress. As an added touch, Whitney wore an ivory cathedral length waterfall veil with a Malis-Henderson two-toned gold headpiece embellished with crystals creating a soft feminine appearance.
The bride carried a natural-looking clutch of white peonies, white ranunculus, ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica spray roses, Bonzi and Gunnii eucalyptus greenery. The bouquet was hand wrapped with antique white satin ribbon and accented with a keepsake locket containing a photograph of her paternal grandparents. In loving memory of her late grandmother, was a locket containing her picture as well as her rosary.
Serving as Maid of Honor was Anna-Marie Freeland, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids included Alexis Broussard, Halie David, Taylor LaPorte, Skylar Noel and Ana Leah Tribaldos. The bridesmaid dresses, designed by Amsale, were made of fluid satin in a beautiful shade of champagne. The evening gowns featured a drape neckline with an open back and finished with a formal fit and flare skirt. They carried a natural-looking clutch of white O’Hara garden roses, white ranunculus, ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica roses, hinted with Bonzi and Gunni eucalyptus greenery wrapped with antique white satin ribbon.
Ryann Mae Hoffpauir, daughter of Samuel and Amber Hoffpauir along with Eleanor Boudreaux, daughter of Reed and Liesl Boudreaux, served as flower girls. They wore white heirloom dresses adorned with antique ecru lace; custom made by the Mother of the Groom. The girls wore a crown of ivory Majolica spray roses and eucalyptus greenery accompanied by a matching bouquet of similar flowers and greenery.
Clint Reiners, friend of the groom, attended as Best Man. Groomsmen included William Heinen, Cecillius Hundley, Christian Hundley, Kade Petry and Caleb Zaunbrecher. Attending as ushers were the brothers of the groom, Nicholas Hensgens, Stephen Hensgens, Gabriel Hensgens and Matthew Hensgens.
Jack Hensgens, godchild of the groom, served as ring bearer. He carried a custom-made ring pillow made by the Mother of the Groom. He along with the groomsmen wore a traditional two button black tuxedo with suspenders and a black bow tie.
For the ceremony, Mrs. Laura Frank, godmother of the groom and Mrs. Anita Dupuis, aunt of the bride, read the scriptures.
The Mother of the Bride, Mrs. Andrée Broussard Freeland, was escorted by her father, Michael Pierre Broussard. She chose a gorgeous Teri Jon one shoulder evening dress featuring a statement side ruffle.  The sky-blue jacquard fabric featured gold detailing, elevating the flattering silhouette of the gown. The bride selected for her mother a delicate bouquet of ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica spray roses, white ranunculus, and a hint of Bonzi and Gunnii eucalyptus accented with antique white satin ribbon.
The Mother of the Groom, Mrs. Melanie Trahan Hensgens, was escorted by her husband, Keith Landry Hensgens, wearing a beautiful suit of steel gray dupioni silk adorned with crystal embellishments. She also carried a delicate bouquet of ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica spray roses, white ranunculus, and a hint of Bonzi and Gunnii eucalyptus accented with antique white satin ribbon.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Tommy Guidry, organist, Jared Gray on trumpet, Emil Ivanov on violin and soprano, Jennifer Melancon. The bride entered the church to Purcell Fanfare and Charpentier Te Deum.  Musical selections included Canon in D, Celtic Alleluia: and La Réjoissance by Handel was the recessional.  Jennifer Melançon sang Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, Maria Zu Leiben, and the Ave Maria.
Guests were welcomed at the church by door spray swags of ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica spray roses, Italian ruscus and eucalyptus greenery then greeted with pew markers of white hydrangea and trailing eucalyptus greenery. Greeting the guests and handing out programs were Alyssa Noel and Sarah Hensgens wearing crowns of ivory Majolica spray roses and eucalyptus greenery.
Prior to the ceremony, a rehearsal dinner, hosted by parents of the groom, took place on Friday, April 16, 2021 at the Southern Oaks Country Club in Abbeville.
After the wedding ceremony, a formal outdoor reception was held at the bride’s family property. It included an elegant white tent adorned with chandeliers and lights strung throughout. Upon entering, guests were greeted with a hedge wall accented with wedding-themed flowers. In front of the wall, guests signed the register book, which was placed on a bar cart accented with flowers and candles to set the romantic, elegant style of the reception. Guest tables were decorated with candles and flowers coordinating with the bride’s bouquet. Louisiana Red provided entertainment for the evening.
The bride’s cake was a traditional three-tier cake, poised on a round silver plateau, with accents of white hydrangea, ivory Vendella roses, ivory Majolica roses, white O’Hara garden roses, white ranunculus, and eucalyptus greenery. The cake was topped with a Coupe de Marriage, a family heirloom, which was handed down by the bride’s maternal grandparents from their wedding fifty-eight years ago. The Coupe de Marriage was used for the newlyweds to toast each other. Serving the cake was the bride’s godmother, Mrs. Julie Guillot.
The groom’s cake was a chocolate cake frosted in various shades of tan and brown fondant, giving the appearance of a leather covering. The groom’s personal brand was in the center of the cake and the sides were decorated in an intricately detailed floral pattern. The cake was served by the godmother of groom, Laura Frank.
To honor the couple, guests threw rice harvested from the groom’s personal crop as they departed the reception in a 1964 Mercury Comet.
After their weeklong honeymoon to Cancun, Mexico, the newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Peter Hensgens, will make their new home in Abbeville, Louisiana.

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial for Audrey Doucet Belaire will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 2:00PM with Fr. Donald Bernard officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 9:00AM until time of services. A recitation of the Rosary will be held  at 11:00AM.
The pearly gates of heaven swung open for our beautiful Maw Maw Audrey Doucet Belaire, 90, April 14, 2021. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home.  What a beautiful sight it must of been for her to see her 3 year old baby girl, Lisa Gaye  and to rock her again.  We all know her daughter, Lori Ellen was waiting for her with the tightest hug and a purse full of shopping coins. What an amazing, Girl’s Day,” it is in heaven. The boys promised her  they would take good care of Paw Paw Richard here back home.  
Born December 2, 1930 to Odey Doucet & Annie Comeaux Doucet, who delivered twin girls Audrey and Dorothy. Audrey married the love of her life, Richard Lloyd Belaire for 65 years. The couple had 3 children, Lisa Gaye Belaire,  Lori Ellen Belaire Booth and Scott Belaire. Audrey was a loving grandmother to Madison Booth and Logan Booth of Niceville Florida, Austin Belaire and Ashton Belaire of Abbeville.  
Audrey and Richard were involved in St. Mary Magdalen Church in downtown Abbeville, as well as Knights of Columbus #2281. Audrey served as KC Auxiliary President in 1981.  In 1985, Audrey was awarded the Women Of The Year Award at The Father Daull K.C. Auxiliary Banquet.   Audrey loved playing KC Bingo and helping win all the cakes for her freezer. She was honored by the Rotary Club for teaching them and organizing a fundraiser garage sale to raise Rotary funds.  She loved helping organize events and was always bringing door prizes at each event she attended. 
Audrey always loved selling tailor made clothing. Over her young years, she worked at Abdallas Department  Store In Lafayette and was shortly after called by Morton & Lakey Schwartz to manage their tailor made dress shop in downtown Abbeville. Audrey enjoyed her time managing Lady of The Lake, a tailor made dress shop in downtown Abbeville,  back in her early years.  She sold to many customers and made friends from all of Acadiana. 
After retirement, Audrey would continue helping friends resale designer clothing  for her close friends and customers, as well as, State Representatives, Senators and other tailor made customers. 
Audrey and Richard enjoyed retirement with traveling around with touring groups. Audrey loved to water ski and spent many times fishing with Richard in White Lake, where Richard was a guide for many years.  She always tells the story of Richard guiding President Johnson and his wife Lady Bird. The couple loved to fish together and cook Cajun food.  Richard had a boat customized to fit her needs, while fishing in White Lake, back in their time. They loved going to their family farm in the country and shooting their guns. They loved to help with many functions with KC Auxilary and loved having family gatherings.  The couple, took good care of both of their parents, having their home built right in the middle to easily, help them with their daily needs.  Family values were upmost important to both of them. 
Survived by her husband of 65 years who was the love of her life,  Richard Lloyd Belaire, son Scott Belaire and wife Sharon and their children Austin Belaire & Ashton Belaire, Her son in-law, Eugene Beau Booth and his children Madison Grace Booth and Logan Booth of Niceville, Florida. Her sisters, Dorothy White and her partner Robert Billeaud, of Lafayette and Janelle Hebert and her husband Floyd Hebert of Baton Rouge, her Godchildren Kimberly Hamette of Baton Rouge and Godchild Liz Delcambre of Lafayette and her close cousin Deanna Comeaux who helped take care of her over the last few years. Her best friend, Sylvia Putnam, who checked on her weekly for many years and always delivered her beautiful hand picked flowers. 1st Cousin who she was very close to,  Jimmy Comeaux, Phyllis Montet Guidry, Dickie Montet, Robert Montet, Brenda Chapman and Dolores Smith. 
Proceeded in death by her daughters, Lisa Gaye  Belaire and Lori Belaire Booth, her parents Odey Doucet and Annie Comeaux Doucet, her in-laws Narcise Belaire and Agnes Rodriguez Belaire and brother in-law Harry White.  
Readings will be read by Sylvia Putnam, Organ & Vocals by Jennifer Melancon, Amazing Grace, Ave Maria, Here I Am Lord, Precious Lord, Take My Hand and Eagles Wing. 
Pallbearers will be, Austin Belaire, Ashton Belaire, Logan Booth, Eugene Beau Booth, Mark Leblanc,  Brent Hebert, Scott Menard, Clay Menard and Kelly Escanelle. 
Honorary pallbearers will be the Ladies of K.C. Auxiliary #2281. Gift bearers will will be the Ladies of K.C. Auxiliary #2281.
The family wishes to thank the medical team with Lourdes Hospice for the last 4 months at home with Comfort Care,  Fr. Donald Bernard with  St. Mary Magdalen for helping with emergency house calls, comforting family and anointing of the sick blessings, Flo Veazey for helping her get Eucharist for many years at their home,  when they could no longer attend mass.  Sylvia Putnam for  organizing weekly prayer lines and delivering the beautiful hand picked weekly flowers to her home and the entire praying community, who took the time to pray with the family for her needs. 
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates.  All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.” 
David Funeral Home of Abbeville, 2600 Charity Street, (337) 893-3777 is in charge of the arrangements.

When the Vermilion Parish School Board completes a project less than $30,000, it lets Kerry Richard, the school system’s maintenance supervisor, inspect it. Now, the school board is looking at having an architect check the finished projects.
School Board member Laura LeBeouf brought the issue up at the Properties Committee on Monday. LeBeouf asked Richard how does the school board know when small projects are completed.
Richard told the board that he is the one who is inspecting the smaller projects once they are completed.
LeBeouf said she does not want anyone, other than a supervisor in the maintenance office, signing off on a completed project, especially without someone inspecting it.
School Board Member Kibbie Pillette explained to fellow board members that the school boards in other parishes have contracts with an architectural service to inspect large and small completed projects.
“The architect certifies a project under $30,000,” said Pillette. “The board pays the architect an annual fee. We should find out if architects are interested in working with the school board to inspect projects. They would say the work is done and done correctly. To have Kerry do everything is a stretch.”
School board member Jason Roy was not too thrilled in having the school board hire someone on retainer when they are getting the work done by a school employee.
“Most of these projects under $30,000 are minor things,” Roy said. “I do not know if we have a major issue. We are putting someone else on retainer? If we keep hiring people on retainer, we are going to run out of money.”
Pillette said he is trying to take a load off of Richard’s shoulders. The school board member said the projects might be small, but they need to make sure they are doing it right.
“Other school boards have a school board architect on retainer,” Pillette added. “You tell the architect what is being done and he checks to see if that is being done. At least we will know a project is done accurately and complete if an architect inspects the finished project.”
Pillette wants to research to see how expensive it will be to hire an architect on retainer.

DELCAMBRE — Residents who live by Delcambre Elementary have had enough.
“We have a situation that has been going on for years,” Neely Saunier said as she addressed the board Monday night. “This year has been the worst, and it’s getting out of hand. We can’t even use our driveways.”
That was Saunier’s latest, and hopefully final, attempt to represent herself, as well as every resident on Saunier Drive, to have the parent pick-up lines monitored.
Exhausting every option before the council, Saunier has spoken to Delcambre Elementary Principal Jodi Romero, law enforcement, and even those who are blocking her driveway in an attempt to get a little common courtesy.
“The principal has done everything she could to remind these parents not to block or obstruct traffic during pick-up times,” Saunier said. “It’s just not working.”
Drivers picking up and dropping off students are sometimes using resident’s driveways to turn around and leaving these homeowners unable to access their driveway and, in turn, are blocking traffic.
“There are a select few who willingly move when we ask, but the majority usually give you colorful language and the middle finger, and all we are trying to do is get to work or go home,” said Saunier.
Saunier pointed out that there are a large number of residents who have serious medical conditions. Blocking traffic and/or driveways is a major concern since the responders may not be able to get to the person in need quick enough, or at all, in the event of a medical emergency, she added.
“Possibly having a head-on collision from a blocked view has also been an issue,” said Saunier, “I cannot tell you how many times this has almost happened to each of us here.”
After reaching out to the Police Department, Saunier noticed there had been units parked.
“We appreciate that effort,” she said. “But I think we need to start issuing tickets since nothing has changed. We can’t seem to get them to follow the law.”
Alderman Bryan Glatter did suggest the citations.
“Word of mouth is the best thing in this town, and issuing tickets could get the word out and get the point across,” he said. “These residents have had enough, and rightfully so, because so far right now, word of mouth is that you can do whatever you want.”
Another suggestion made by Saunier was to have an officer walk the pick-up line, ensuring that people follow the law or direct traffic.
In an to attempt to fix the issue independently, Delcambre Principal Jodi Romero doesn’t know what more she could do.
Once she called the School Board, her only options will cost money, and that is something that the School Board has.
“We could divide car rider lines, but before that could happen, I would need a pavilion on one side and a PA system, or, we could take away the backfield at the school, but we would need new drainage, cement, and rock,” Principal Romero said.
Both of those options cost money, and not only that, if the backfield were to be taken from the kids, they’d lose their favorite spot.
“Our last resort is to issue tickets,” the council agreed.
“Even if photos of the license plates are sent in, citations could be given,” Delcambre Police Officer Brady Segura said. “If that is what has to happen to fix the problem, that is what we will do.
Mayor Pam Blakely agreed that the issue is not minor.
“It’s not just something to complain about, and it’s not just a hassle,” said Blakely. “The first year, it was a hassle. Now, years later, these residents deserve the peace of mind when it comes to leaving for work or getting home, so yes, I think we need to call their bluff and start issuing tickets; it is against the law.”