Thelma Melancon

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church honoring the life of Thelma Trahan Melancon, 98, who passed away on January 1, 2025, at Landmark of Acadiana Nursing Home.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in Breaux Bridge on Tuesday from 7:30 am to 1:15 pm.

A rosary will be prayed at 12:30 pm on Tuesday.

Father Garrett McIntyre will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Francis Melancon and Ryan Simon. 

Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery #2.

Thelma, known to many as "Tam", was born on March 10, 1926, in Breaux Bridge. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, special aunt, and a mentor and role model to many, especially for her family.

From a young girl, Thelma found joy in sewing, a passion that accompanied her through every decade of her life, even into her late 80s. She not only honed her craft, but shared it generously, providing a needed service to her community, by sewing garments and alterations for many.

Her professional journey was as vibrant as her personal passions. Thelma's early years were marked with hard work and resilience; she proudly served at Champagne's Bakery, Zene's Fabric Store and took part in seasonal work at the Canning Factory and the Breaux Bridge Sugar Co-Op. Thelma also enjoyed being a Para-Pro Teacher at Breaux Bridge Primary School. Each job was a chapter in her life, showcasing her unwavering work ethic and commitment to supporting her family and friends.

Thelma embraced her love for reading her Bible, which remained a cornerstone of her life. Her deep-seated faith was evident in everything she did; it guided her through challenges and inspired her to uplift those around her. Thelma was deeply involved in her church community, where she found joy in sharing her beliefs and providing support to others. 

Thelma delighted in working in her flowers and enjoyed peaceful moments watching and feeding the birds.

Hospitality was a natural virtue for Thelma and her husband Pete, they were very generous with their time and talents. 

Her family will carry her laughter and beautiful smile with them forever, as a reminder of the incredible woman she was.

She is survived by her sons, Michael L. Melancon (Gail), Chris Melancon (Faye), Francis "Franny" Melancon (Sandra), Mark Melancon and Todd Melancon (Melissa); daughter, Sally Comb (Danny); daughter-in-law, Susan Melancon; grandchildren, Kevin Melancon, Kelly Melancon (Klyi), Kasey Melancon (Kara), Kory Melancon, Codie Liebert (Aaron), Jandy Tyl (Matt), Franny Melancon, Jr., Beth Rodriquez (Perrin), Denise Simon (Ryan), Emma Vice (Jordy), Dillion Comb and Reneé Doré (Jeremy); 18 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl "Pete" Melancon; sons, Kim Melancon and Troy Melancon; parents, Letaire and Bertha Champagne Trahan; sisters, Lou (James) Dugas, Jane (Perdue) LaGrone and Birdie (Andres) Brasseaux; and her brothers, John (Dixie) Trahan, Edward (Mary) Trahan and James (Shirley) Trahan. 

Pallbearers will be Kevin Melancon, Kasey Melancon, Kory Melancon, Kelly Melancon, Grant Liebert and Gabe Liebert.

Honorary pallbearers will be Franny Melancon, Jr. and Jeremy Dore.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Landmark of Acadiana Nursing home and a special thanks to Traditions Hospice for supporting services at this time.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.