Frances Zaunbrecher Fruge

EUNICE~ It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Frances Zaunbrecher Fruge on Friday, January 5, 2024, at The Carpenter House in Lafayette at the age of 90. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Eunice. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Father Sam Fontana, Celebrant.

      Frances was born in Mowata, Louisiana to Nicholas and Josephine Frey Zaunbrecher on March 16, 1933. She was affectionately known as “Teenie” to all who knew and loved her. Teenie led a prayerful life and devoted herself to the hard work of loving, protecting, and supporting her family. Her goals in life were to pray for and take care of everyone around her. She was a fabulous cook and prepared a feast every Sunday for her family. Teenie knew each family member’s favorite meal and prepared a special meal with a particular person in mind. She was a homemaker until the last of her children began school, and then went out into the work force. She worked at St. Edmund’s School cafeteria, Derbes’ Drug Store, until its closing, and finally, Picou’s Drug Store for over 20 years, until the age of eighty-three.

      Teenie was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was an extraordinary caretaker. The impact of her presence is immeasurable and will be deeply missed by all who crossed paths with her. She leaves behind cherished memories that will forever be treasured by her children: Raymond Joseph Fruge and wife Tammy of Eunice, Duane Fruge and wife Roni of Gonzales, Marie Therese Janise and husband Sherman of Eunice, Phyllis Steech and husband Gene of Lake Charles, and Gwen Cart and Paul of Eunice; her brother, Rodney Zaunbrecher of Iowa; her sisters, Margaret Regan of Egan, JoAnn Meyer of Roberts Cove, and Edna Mae Leger and husband, Mike of Iowa. She will also be dearly missed by her fourteen grandchildren, Jeremie Janise and wife, Laura, Jacob Janise, Adrienne Walker and husband, Ryan, Wesley Steech and wife, Jessica, Caleb Cart and wife, Katie, Seth Cart and wife, Khasi, Michael Fruge and wife, Sarah, David Fruge and wife, Julie, Adam Fruge, Nicholas Fruge, Zachary Fruge and wife, Laura, Joshua Chapman and wife, Melissa, Ashley LeBouef and husband, Dustin, Jamie Darbonne and husband, Paul; her twenty-four great grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends. Her memory will be treasured and her presence on this earth will be missed beyond measure.

        Teenie is now reunited with her husband, Jesse Paul Fruge; daughter, Bridget Berzas; parents, Nicholas and Josephine Frey Zaunbrecher; siblings, Helen Thevis, Lawrence Zaunbrecher, Louis Zaunbrecher, Robert Zaunbrecher, Lloyd “Butch” Zaunbrecher, Stanley Zaunbrecher, Thelma “Tillie” Leonards, Laura Bellard, and Jeanette Holtzapple; and grandson, Benjamin Berzas.

       The family will receive friends for visitation at Ardoin's Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 3:00 pm    until 8:00 pm. Additional visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 9:00 am until 11:15 am, followed by procession to St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Tuesday evening.

       Carrying Teenie to her place of rest will honorably be her fourteen grandchildren.

       The family appreciates the loving and compassionate care given to Teenie during her illness, and would like to thank Nurse Heather from LAMM Hospice, as well as the following care-givers, Cynthia Berry, Anita Israel, Rita Bihm, Nancy Thomas, Brenda Hebert, and Julie Franchebois.

       During this difficult time of grieving and remembrance, we find solace in the support and love from our community. We deeply appreciate the condolences that have been offered and encourage those who wish to honor Teenie’s life to share sentiments or upload photos on her memorial page at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

       Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice, located at 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457.3371.