Irene S. Boutte

New Iberia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia for Irene S. Boutte, 86, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Belle Teche Nursing Home.

Rev. Keith Landry will be the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in New Iberia.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia from 9:00 am until 12:15 am on Friday.

A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 am on Friday.

Irene S. Boutte was born in Evangeline, Louisiana on August 11, 1937. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who led a life filled with love and laughter, and she cherished moments with her family. She was affectionately known as “Gumball” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Irene took on various jobs that allowed her to touch the lives of many. Her journey began as a telephone operator where she brightened the days of countless individuals with her warm voice and caring nature. She later worked in a school cafeteria, ensuring that children had delicious meals to nourish their growing bodies and minds. Irene also dedicated her time as a housekeeper at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where she showed unwavering dedication to her faith. In her later years, she found joy in greeting others as a friendly face at Walmart.

Above all else, Irene was a dedicated and loving mother who raised six children with tenderness and grace. Her unwavering support and nurturing nature created a home filled with love and laughter. Irene's children will forever treasure the memories of their childhood spent under her loving care.

In her leisure time, Irene indulged in activities that brought her immense joy. She loved the thrill of visiting the casino and the excitement that came with playing Bingo. Connecting with her loved ones was paramount to Irene; she cherished moments spent visiting family members or engaging in long phone conversations that could stretch into the late hours of the night.

Although gardening may not have been one of Irene's talents, she adored red roses. Despite lacking a green thumb, a beautiful red rose bush flourished in her yard next to the statue of the Blessed Mother Mary, and it was a family joke that that was the only reason it thrived there!

Mrs. Boutte is survived by five children, Sandra Singleton, Letty Reed (Tim), June Shoopman (Don), Melissa Gunnells (Roy Eskind), and Shane Boutte (Jennifer); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dalton Boutte; father, Joseph Simar; mother, Mary Benoit Fontenot; son, Scott Boutte; and two sisters, Jeanette Miller and Jean Hall.

Pallbearers will be Billie Gunnells, Jr., Joshua Shoopman, Jacob Shoopman, Bobby Singleton, Brent Doucet, and Matt Campbell.

Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Boutte, Aaron Walker, and John Olivier.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Belle Teche Nursing Home, especially Sabeta Howard and Christy Latiolais.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Irene may have left this earthly realm, but her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family lives on forever. May she rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).