Sandra Girouard Gary

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we deeply love becomes part of us." Helen Keller. Sandra Girouard Gary came into this world November 11, 1941 and was called home while surrounded by family on June 28, 2015 after a brief illness. She was blessed with the gift of exceptional beauty inside and out and lived sharing that gift with others. Whomever she met went away feeling loved and uniquely beautiful. This gift also extended to the physical world. She had a flawless eye for details and the artistry to create exquisite surroundings in the home, delicious meals, and unforgettable celebrations. She was an impeccable homemaker, an avid sports fan, a certified tennis teaching professional. Her passions included family, fashion, the arts, the beach, and dancing. She embodied strength, grace, and compassion. Animals could sense that kindness. Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed her own many dear pets and those of her neighbors as well as every stray she encountered. She even cared for the critters, geckos and hummingbirds in her garden. Most called her "Sugar" because of her undeniable sweetness. Sandra was the beloved daughter of Rustum "Mott" Girouard (who preceded her in death) and Frances Tyson Broussard. She was the cherished sister of Dr. Rustum Ernest Girouard married to Alice Faye Simon; Boyd David Girouard married to Betty Jane Dartez; Phyllis Therese Girouard married to Hubert Joseph Lormand; Theodore Charles Girouard married to Deborah Romero; Leah Ann Girouard married to Brad Mosing; and Gregory Girouard married to Tracey Ann LeNoir. She was aunt to 13 nieces or nephews. Sandra married her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Dexter A. Gary, who adored her. They were married 52 years. Their marriage produced three children. Their daughter Angela Gary Guidry married to Mickey Guidry, and their children Therese Lynn Guidry, Gabrielle Marie Guidry, and Rhett Joseph Guidry. Their son Dexter Anthony Gary married to Roslyn Olivier Gary, and four children Dexter Andrew Gary, Jordan Robert Gary, Christian Patrick Gary, Tysen Alexandra Gary ( children of Terri Lyle Monson); and Rowan Whitehurst, and Arden Whitehurst (daughters of Roslyn Olivier). Their son Roland Allen Gary II married to Jennifer Leigh Gary and their children Kayleigh Lynn Gary and Roland Allen Gary III. Her life can be summarized as a beloved daughter, a cherished sister, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a true friend and confidant. In accordance with Sandra's wishes, she will be cremated and her life celebrated in a private ceremony with her family under the oak trees of her childhood home. The family certainly intends to respect her wishes, but we also feel the need to make a request of those who cared for Sandra. She wanted to always bring light into the lives of each person she met whether through a kind gesture or smile or through a lifetime of devotion. As such we cannot let her noble passing go unnoticed. So we ask all that knew her to light a candle as a pledge to bring joy to others in memory of a life well spent. A single life produces so much radiance when it is spent serving others and loving unconditionally. Sandra did just that. The world is a better place for her having lived. Though her time may have ended way too soon, it was a beautiful life complete in so many ways. She was a truly remarkable woman.