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Marie Elise Lege Donohue

Fri, 03/27/2020 - 4:40pm

ABBEVILLE — Marie Elise Lege Donohue, born January 29, 1924, peacefully left this earth with all of God’s blessings on March 25, 2020. “Meezie” or “Momeeze” to all family, friends and their friends, was a lifelong resident of Abbeville, Louisiana. She was predeceased by the love of her life, John Paul Donohue, Sr. “Papa John,” her husband of 55 years, her loving parents, Lilia Elise “Nancy” Landry and Murphy Joseph “Pat” Lege, and her beloved grandson, Patrick Lege Donohue, Jr. For one who set the bar so high for The Donohue Family, Meezie was a woman of faith, love, and commitment, whose greatest joy in life was raising and caring for her loving family. Meezie lived life to the fullest and always enjoyed celebrating and gathering with family and friends at her lifelong home, “Portage Landing,” a National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior circa 1869.
Survived by her seven children, Patricia D. McIntyre (Reginald), Hammond, Elizabeth D. Gary (John), N. Palm Beach, FL, John P. Donohue, Jr. (Lory), Houma, Patrick L. Donohue (Rebecca), Abbeville, Daniel J. Donohue, Lafayette, James C. Donohue (Susan), Baton Rouge, and Elise D. Kuhn (Allen), New Orleans; 14 grandchildren: Courtney M. Buras, Reginald J. McIntyre, Jr. (Amy), Margaret Erin M. Van Ryckeghem, Patricia Elise M. Plantan (Neil), Lege G. Hogan (Bobby), Shannon G. Mendes (Blair), Wesleigh G. Stewart (Chris), John P. Donohue III, Megan D. Breaux (Matthew), Colleen D. Foreman (Kristopher), James C. Donohue, Riley E. Donohue, Allen M. Kuhn, and Lilla E. Kuhn. 21 great-grandchildren: Landry Werth, Camille Werth, Beau Werth, Evie Van Ryckeghem, Reg McIntyre III, Colin McIntyre, Ryland McIntyre, Evie Van Ryckeghem, Elise Plantan, Ellie Hogan, Trace Hogan, Campbell Hogan, Wes Mendes, Brooks Mendes, Cooper Stewart, Banks Stewart, Mozelle Stewart, Abbey Donohue, Ella Donohue, Claire Breaux and James Breaux.
Private Graveside Services were held by the family and officiated by longtime family friend, Father F. Hampton Davis.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Meezie graduated from SLI in 1944, where she met her future husband, John, a native of Dallas, TX, who was stationed in Lafayette, LA, for Naval training exercises in preparation for WWII. They immediately fell in love and were married in 1944, and thereafter, began their lifelong journey of raising seven wonderful children. She was active in numerous community activities: the Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies Altar Society, charter member of the Fortnightly Club of Abbeville, as well as the Abbeville Garden and Bridge Club. She lived to entertain, loved to travel, and frequented the theater and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. As a devout Roman Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, she was determined for her family to follow in her footsteps of attending and participating in weekly mass. In furtherance of her faith, Meezie embarked on multiple pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, and the Marian Shrines of Lourdes and Medjugorje. We will all miss her loving, contagious, warm spirit and charm that was felt by all. Her entire family is comforted in the fact that she is now at rest in peace with her heavenly father, and reunited with her beloved Papa John.
The Donohue Family is grateful for Meezie’s compassionate caregivers: Peggy Viator, Trinda Derouen, Anita Hopkins, and Martha Leger. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vermillion Catholic High School, 425 Park Ave., Abbeville, LA 70510.

Coronavirus spread in Louisiana Becoming 2nd fastest in nation

Fri, 03/27/2020 - 11:41am

BY LEO HONEYCUTT

BATON ROUGE – It’s official. The United States on Thursday eclipsed China, Italy, and 170 other countries for the most cases of Coronavirus. The U.S. is now zooming past 85,000 cases and 1,000 deaths.
This makes Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards mad, very mad, because skyrocketing Coronavirus cases in Louisiana are putting the state almost in the lead for the outbreak. He’s not happy that many Louisianans are still refusing to stay home.
“If you will do what is within your power to slow the spread of this virus,” he admonished to Louisianans via television at a Thursday press conference, “to slow the spread of this disease, we won’t need to surge [at medical facilities] as much or as fast. You literally have the power within yourself to save lives. It could be your own. It could be your spouse’s, your parents, your next-door neighbor, but you have it within your power to save lives if you will simply minimize the contact you have with other people.”
The governor is angry because Louisiana’s numbers per capita show the virus spreading like wildfire, mostly in the New Orleans area where Mardi Gras attracted over a million revelers from around the world. While they partied for the month of February, the Coronavirus Pandemic was exploding in China and Italy.
“We can avoid it,” lamented Edwards. “It is entirely within our power to avoid it but we’ve got to have more compliance.”
Compliance being: stay at home and keep your distance.
The governor is upset over the 28% rise in one day of cases and deaths. As of noon Thursday, Louisiana COVID-19 cases soared to 2,305 spread across 53 out of 64 parishes.
Eighty-three Louisianans have died, the last one again in New Orleans but this time, a 17-year-old.
Orleans Parish overwhelmingly leads the state with 1,000 cases and 46 deaths.
Jefferson Parish next door is second with 458 cases and 12 deaths.
Then the virus jumps north to Caddo Parish’s 115 cases and 1 death.
The capitol city of Baton Rouge is now fourth with 4 deaths out of 105 cases.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and civic leaders opened an emergency warehouse while pleading for medical supplies.
Further alarming, next door Ascension Parish suddenly has the highest rate of infection with nearly 100 cases.
“The curve we are on today is not promising,” the governor said. “Why would you want to take the chance on bringing it home? While we left essential businesses open so you could go to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank, the gas station, you don’t have to go every day.”
Shortly after the governor’s press conference, Super Bowl winning quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany committed $5 million to the State of Louisiana for much needed supplies and meals. Friday morning, after an upbeat live interview with Brees on NBC’s Today Show, anchor Hoda Kotb, who spent much of her career in New Orleans, broke down on live television and was unable to continue for more than a minute afterward.
The message is slowly sinking in. Thousands of Louisianans are complying with Governor Edwards’ wishes and they are sheltering in place with their children now going into the third week. “It’s a little crazy,” says Danielle Porche, a Baton Rouge realtor with 2 kids, 8-year-old Evangeline and 4-year-old Jules. “When they’re not studying, they like to reverse roles and be the parents. But only so far. Jules is big on disciplining and likes to roar like a tiger. ‘You kids do what I tell you to do,’ he yells.”
Out of the mouths of babes, and governors.
“Stay home,” says Governor Edwards. “The life you’re saving is mostly likely your own.”

Daylon Lee Jules

Fri, 03/27/2020 - 10:47am

ABBEVILLE – A Private Celebration of Life will be held for Daylon “Dee Greatest” Lee Jules.
Daylon Lee Jules was born January 12, 1989 to Stacy Jules and Keith Shane Obrien in Kaplan, LA. His humble beginnings began in Kaplan, La. He attended the schools of Vermilion Parish and was a graduate of Kaplan High School, Class of 2007 where he was a part of the National Honor Society. Daylon was very talented, intelligent, and athletic. He played linebacker position in football and he threw sho put in Track. After high school, attended SLCC in Abbeville and later University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he concentration for study was Kinesiology.
His spiritual health was very important to Him and he truly loved the Lord. Daylon attended services at many churches, one in particular: Crossroads Church of Lafayette, La. He understood and knew the importance of having a consistent relationship with God.
Daylon understood the importance of hardwork and dedication and he showed that throughout his employment journey. Daylon was employed at Acadiana Circle of Friends for several years where he touched many lives. From there, he became a Sales Counselor at Conn’s. He loved his job and he became very talented in the sales industry. His demeanor and positive attitude helped laid the foundation for his new position at Rooms To Go. From there he was promoted from counselor to Assistant Manager and most recently Sales Manager with Acceptance Now.
Daylon was affectionately known as “Dee Greatest” and he definitely lived up to that name. Anyone that knew him can testify that He lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, eating and traveling. Everyone knew about his love for crawfish, and he was widely known for his famous dishes. Daylon remained a true and loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend until his demise on Thursday, March 12, 2020. We rejoice at the fact that the angels have welcomed him home with open arms to a place of peace and tranquility. Blessed it be the name of the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Jules, Sr.; uncles, Larry Jules, Jr., Leroy Campbell, Harry O’Brien, David O’Brien and Donald O’Brien; aunts, Rose Bennet and Boldie O’Brien and his great-grandparents, Dora Campbell, Lacy O’Brien, Sr., Mildred Russian and Leroy Hebert.
Daylon leaves to celebrate his life, his mother and father, Stacy Jules of Abbeville, LA; and Keith Shane O’Brien Kaplan, LA, maternal grandmother, Fannie Campbell of Kaplan, LA; two sisters, Dorrianna Jules and Justice Mitchell, both of Abbeville, LA. three brothers, Jordan Jules(Lacy) Brian (Jodie) Jules, and Kaylien Roy, all of Abbeville, LA; his cousins who were like his sisters and brothers; Latoya Jules, Reckel O’Brien, Beyonka Boudreaux, Marla Johnnie, Pineka Broussard, Zachary Campbell (Annette Campbell), and Charles Campbell ( Mrs. Ellie) ; his aunts, Apostle Crystal Randle(Cheyenne)of Delcambre, LA, Tanisha (Brandon) Bertrand and Theresa O’Brien, both of Kaplan, LA, Keah Saddler of Cincinnati, OH, Kaylen Roy of Abbeville, LA; uncles, Marco (Shawna) Jules of Lake Charles, LA; niece, Naveah Mitchell; nephews, Kingston Mitchell, Delexsus Mitchell and Xaylen Lee Jules; great aunts, Elzina Campbell, Parrann ( Aaron) Mouton of Kaplan, LA, Christine (Darryl) Campbell, Diane Campbell of Portland, OR, Sheila Jules, Patricia (Robert) Rudd, and Nina O’Brien, all of Kaplan, Veronica Vallery and Jessica O’Brien Houston TX, , great uncles, Alex Campbell and Marcell Campbell, both of Portland OR, Skinny Breaux , Harry (Irma) O’Brien , David O’Brien . 3 God children Makayla Davenport, Zakayla Campbell, Morgan Greene all of Kaplan. Two play sisters Janet Trahan and Javada, Close friend Curtis Randle of Broussard, LA; His co-workers at Acceptance Now and Rooms to Go, as well as other host of cousins, other relatives, and special friends who will miss him dearly.
View the obituary and sign the guest book online at www.carneyfuneralhome.net.
Carney Funeral Home, 602 North Pierce Street, Lafayette, LA, (337) 235-9789, is in charge of arrangements.

Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Updates for March 26

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 1:13pm

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health has updated its website to reflect the latest number of positives and will continue to update its website at noon each day.
As of noon on March 26, the Department reported 510 additional cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 2,305 positive cases. Important to note are the increases in Caddo Parish (additional 22 cases, bringing the total to 115) and Bossier Parish (additional 25 cases, bringing the total to 32), which the Department and Governor’s Office are monitoring closely.
To further combat the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a Stay at Home Order on March 22, directing all Louisiana residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs.

Hospitalization
Yesterday, 491 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Of those, 163 patients required ventilation. Today, 676 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized. Of those, 239 require ventilation. If Louisiana’s growth continues this way and the State is unable to flatten the curve, the New Orleans area could run out of vents by the first week of April.

Nursing homes
The Department of Health has identified COVID-19 clusters in six nursing homes in the state. The five the Department can identify are Chateau D’Ville, Chateau De Notre Dame, Lambeth House, St. James Place and Vista Shores. A cluster is identified as two or more cases that appear to be connected. With the involvement of hospitals and multiple providers and the growth in cases of nursing home residents, going forward the Department will require a lag time in its reporting on specific clusters. The Department aims to be a source of reliable information and needs to be able to allow its epidemiological team time to do its job in notifying providers and patients. Going forward, the Department will report the current number of clusters every day at noon, but will only share names of facilities once the proper notifications have taken place. The Department continues to work with nursing homes to minimize the spread of the illness and protect residents and staff.

Deaths
The Department reports an additional 18 deaths since yesterday, bringing the total of 83 deaths. Below is a table of all reported deaths to date.
Age, Parish

53, Orleans
50, Orleans
63, Orleans
83, Orleans
84, Orleans
92, Orleans
55, Orleans
93, Orleans
58, Orleans
77, Jefferson
80, Orleans
44, Orleans
72, Orleans
44, Orleans
72, Orleans
73, Jefferson
77, Jefferson
98, Orleans
44, East Baton Rouge
76, Rapides
60, St. James
72, Jefferson
76, Orleans
78, Orleans
49, Orleans
62, Washington
38, Catahoula
72, Jefferson
44, Orleans
77, Orleans
56, Ouachita
77, De Soto
53, Orleans
90, Orleans
80, Jefferson
73, West Baton Rouge
52, East Baton Rouge
91, Orleans
82, Orleans
85, Orleans
59, St. Bernard
89, Jefferson
66, Ascension
77, Jefferson
36, Orleans
73, Orleans
56, Orleans
59, Bienville
68, Orleans
66, Orleans
74, Orleans
86, St. John the Baptist
49, Orleans
87, Orleans
55, Orleans
78, Jefferson
56, Orleans
44, Webster
79, Caddo
71, Orleans
77, Orleans
97, Orleans
55, Iberville
76, Calcasieu
91, Orleans
79, St. Charles
57, Orleans
90, St. Tammany
83, Orleans
65, Orleans
62, Lafourche
95, St. John the Baptist
17, Orleans
74, Orleans
79, East Baton Rouge
44, Orleans
71, Orleans
86, Jefferson
86, Orleans
36, Jefferson
70, Orleans
59, East Baton Rouge
78, St. Charles
93, Orleans
81, Jefferson

Guidance for providers
All guidance memos issued can be found on the Department of Health website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus.

Gov. Edwards March 25 address

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 12:11pm

Brenda Gayle Mouton

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:29am

BAYOU GAUCHE & ABBEVILLE, La. — Brenda grew up a “baby-boomer” in Abbeville La. during the 1950’s and 60’s surrounded by loving family, neighbors and friends. Brenda graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Abbeville where a deep belief in god and self were instilled in her through the sisters there. She was a strong athlete and loved the sports of basketball and softball. After high school she attended and graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles and embarked on a decades long career of teaching athletics beginning at Pecan Island High School and ending at Live Oak Manor Elementary. She was truly one of a kind and a positive influence on all those around her. Brenda will be missed by all those luckily enough to have known her.
She is survived by her life partner Gail Stewart and guardian Caleb Babin, she is also survived by her brother Keith Mouton and sister Nell Dean Roberts.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Nellie Trahan Mouton, and two brothers Don and Ronnie Mouton.
Due to these uncertain times services for Brenda are pending and will be communicated later. Memorials are planned for Bayou Gauche and Abbeville. We ask that those who wish to express condolences do so at www.HCAlexander.com. The family thanks you kindly for your understanding and compassion.

Nelda H. LeBlanc

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:18am

ERATH – Private graveside services were held Tuesday March 24, 2020 at 12:00 PM in the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery for Nelda H. LeBlanc, 94, who passed away Sunday March 22, 2020 at her residence in Erath. Father Andre Metrejean Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church will officiate.
A native and lifelong resident of Erath, Nelda will fondly be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister and friend to all, she loved playing card and taking care of her yard. Her greatest joy was praying to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Survivors include her daughter Nilda L. “Dolly” Gauthier and her husband Carol; her granddaughter Stephannie G. Ruiz and her husband Nicholas; three sisters Jackie Broussard and her husband Ed, Gloriadean (Tin) Langlanais, and Joyce Carlin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nelda was preceded in death by her husband Melvin LeBlanc; her parents Sidney and Enite Vincent Hebert; and two sisters Hilda Broussard, and Velma Duhon.
The LeBlanc family wishes to thank Home Health Care nurses, Hospice of Acadiana, and her loving and caring nurses, and her sitters from whom she received such loving care.
Condolences may be sent to the LeBlanc family at www.davidfuneralhome .org
David Funeral Home 209 E. Putnam St,. Erath LA was in charge of arrangements.

Earline Cormier Monteaux

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:14am

January 23, 1934 ~ March 25, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Private graveside services were held honoring the life of Earline Cormier Monteaux, 86, who died Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at her residence
Earline is survived by her four children, Lonnie Monteaux and his wife Michelle of Kaplan, Gene Monteaux, Jr. and his wife Kari of Kaplan, Jeanette Breaux and special friend Mitch of Abbeville, and Glenn Monteaux and his wife Kim of Loreauville; seven grandchildren, Brian Monteaux, Jereme Monteaux, Jay Anthony Monteaux, Brittany Gary, Bryce Monteaux, Lacey Hitter, and Kylie Monteaux; and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene J. Monteaux, Sr.; parents, Odea Cormier and the former Ozia Touchet; and brothers, Raymond Cormier, Oris Cormier, Oray Cormier, and Allen Cormier.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Officials say first case of COVID-19 in Vermilion Parish has been confirmed

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:03am

According to Vermilion Parish Police Juror Wayne Touchet, the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has been confirmed in Vermilion Parish.
Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel also updated a post on social media Thursday morning that the positive case has been confirmed by the Vermilion Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness.
No further information about the case has been made available at this time.
Abbeville General has opened a testing site at its Erath/Delcambre Community Care Clinic. The clinic is located at 220 North Road in Erath.

Coronavirus spread in Louisiana is third fastest in nation

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 9:25am

BY LEO HONEYCUTT

BATON ROUGE – Governor John Bel Edwards is stating somewhat emphatically that Louisiana is nearing a Corona-crisis. He says the state now has the 3rd fastest-growing COVID-19 caseload in the United States and could get much worse before it gets better.
“What is essential now,” Governor Edwards warned in a Tuesday press conference at GOHSEP, “is that we do our part to flatten out the curve to extend the duration of this event and not have it peak all at one time with people who are ill, presenting themselves to the hospital where we don’t have the capacity to render the care that they’re going to need. If we overwhelm the system, we are going to have less people survive that could have. We are running out of time.”
Governor Edwards at this point is more fearful of what could be a massive influx of Coronavirus patients to hospitals perhaps as early as next week. Some estimates say the state will run out of hospital beds by that time.
He also laments that Louisiana may have inadvertently aided the spread of Coronavirus when over one million revelers flocked to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Doctors identified the first case of COVID-19 just 13 days later in Orleans Parish. Now the only states where the virus is spreading faster are in the much more populated states of New York, California and Washington State.
This is why the governor says he rushed to put in a federal disaster declaration on the state’s behalf.
“I am not diminishing the challenges being presented in any other state,” he told reporters, “whether it’s New York or New Jersey or Washington or any other state. I just don’t want anybody to minimize the challenges we have here in Louisiana. As I mentioned before, the trajectory we’re on is very problematic. The growth rate we’re seeing is very problematic. We are Number 3 in the country in terms of per-capita cases.”
Late Tuesday night, President Trump granted Governor Edwards’ disaster declaration, only the fourth in the nation to get federal disaster aid in stopping the Coronavirus. According to Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, the state has already spent $71 million fighting the virus.
But five whole days passed while the Coronavirus became a Pandemic as both parties battled on Capitol Hill over the huge influx of money. Speaking on Fox News’ Sean Hannity Show, Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy blasted Democratic leadership for stonewalling.
“What Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer have done is breathtakingly irresponsible,” Kennedy said of the delay to get money in unrelated programs including climate initiatives. “We had the deal practically put together when Speaker Pelosi flew in with her left-of-Lenin bridge-to-nowhere proposals and Senator Schumer did not have the oranges to tell her to back off.”
Finally in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, the bill to head off economic disaster for the millions now at home and many out of work passed. Checks averaging $1,200 per adult and $500 for children could be in the mail as early as next week.
The Coronavirus Relief Package is the largest economic stimulus package in the history of the United States, with an eventual price tag of $2 TRILLION, far beyond what the White House had recommended as Democrats and Republicans tacked on more programs. In one instance, where the President’s team had recommended a companion appropriations bill of $46 billion to get money to states, Congress ballooned the figure to $300 billion, more than all the federal funds spent for Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy combined.
Lawmakers had previously passed $8.3 billion in emergency funds to healthcare systems and $100 billion-plus to boost paid sick leave, unemployment insurance and to provide free coronavirus testing.
In the meantime, Governor Edwards is pleading with citizens to simply stay home and call friends and family, and in runs to grocery stores, to not get any closer to another person than six-to-ten feet. The governor is alarmed that Louisiana’s rate of infection is still skyrocketing, heading upwards toward 1,500 cases and 50 deaths, and is now the third highest infection rate per capita in the country.
Edwards sternly admonished, “Stay home, stop the spread, save lives. Behave today as if you already have the virus.”

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Marie Elise Lege Donohue

Coronavirus spread in Louisiana Becoming 2nd fastest in nation

Daylon Lee Jules

Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Updates for March 26

Gov. Edwards March 25 address

Brenda Gayle Mouton

Nelda H. LeBlanc

Earline Cormier Monteaux

Officials say first case of COVID-19 in Vermilion Parish has been confirmed

Coronavirus spread in Louisiana is third fastest in nation

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