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BORN
1947
DIED
2011
Barbara Mergist Obituary
LAFAYETTE - Memorial services for Barbara B. Mergist, 64, will be held at 2 pm Friday, May 27, 2011, at St. Edmond Catholic Church in Lafayette. She passed away at home on Tuesday, May 24 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Fr. Gil Dutel and Fr. Gary Schexnayder will officiate the ceremony.
Barbara was born in Opelousas on January 28, 1947 to Henry "Earl" and Marie "Teezie" Bertrand Babineaux. While growing up in New Iberia, she attended Mt. Carmel High School until her graduation in 1965. She graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1971.
For the majority of her working years, Barbara was an educator, teaching in Iberia and Lafayette Parish Schools. During her extensive career, she touched the lives of hundreds of students. She also was a small business owner, running the Party Place in Lafayette for many years. She was an active member of the Junior League of Lafayette and of her parishes, Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Edmond's Catholic Church. While she was battling cancer, she became an active client at the Miles Perret Center, serving as a friend and inspiration to staff and fellow clients alike.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years, Anthony "Tony" Mergist. She is also survived by her two children, Natalie Cross Mesko and her husband, Robert, and their daughter Vivienne of Denver, Colorado; her son, Casey Cross and his wife, Dr. Stacey Hoffman Cross, and their son Tristan of Leesburg, Virginia; and stepson Chad Mergist and his sons Dylan and Tanner of Lafayette. She is also survived by her sister Beryl Duck and husband Charles; Beverly Simoneaux and husband James; her stepmother Jessamine Musson Babineaux and stepsister Diane Musson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miles Perret Cancer Center, 2130 Kaliste Saloom Rd # 200, Lafayette, LA 70508-6143 and Fr. Glenn Meaux's Haiti Mission, PO Box 1400, Abbeville, LA 70511. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 until 2 pm at St. Edmond Catholic Church in Lafayette.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Mergist
amy rogers
May 28, 2011
Casey, Maddie and I am sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. -A
Charles, Andrea, Carly and Holden Pelletier
May 26, 2011
Natalie, Casey and Mr. Tony, we are so sorry for your loss. Ms. Barbara touched each of our hearts.
Madeleine McAnally
May 26, 2011
It was a pleasure to work with Barbara at Burke. We used to call her the Fashion Police. We had many good laughs and she touched the hearts of many at Burke. I know she is smiling down from heaven! May you gain peace in knowing she is now pain free and rejoicing in heaven. Madeleine and Marc McAnally
Connie Andress
May 26, 2011
My beautiful, exquisite friend is gone from this world, but will never be forgotten. I taught at Charles Burke with Barbara and will miss her. My prayers are with her husband and family. May your great memories of her help you through your sadness.
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Carol Gibson
May 26, 2011
Dear Natalie and Family, please know our thoughts are with you. We are deeply saddened by your loss.
Nazly Buxton
May 26, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Mergist at Charles Burke Elementary. Even after she retired she always came by to tell us hello. We will miss her very much.
Jan Breaux
May 26, 2011
my condolences to tony and family. barbara was a wonderful lady who had a smile that lit up a room when she walked in.
Betty Broussard Laperouse
May 26, 2011
Barbara always had a great big smile on her face when she greeted me. We both landed at Burke Elementary before our retirement. She loved being around her cousins and family and spoke so fondly of her children and grandchildren. She was so positive in spite of the medical challenges ahead of her. May the wonderful memories sustain you.
Michael Morton
May 26, 2011
"To say that Barbara was courageous is an understatement. I was blessed to know Barbara through her yoga practice, first at our studio and later teaching at Miles Perret Cancer Center. I saw her practice yoga through various stages of her cancer battle and she always had a strong practiced and a smile on her face. It was my honor to be a part of Barbars's life through yoga. She will always be a part of my heart."
Tricia and Dave Gorko
May 26, 2011
We will always remember how very happy she was on Natalie's wedding day and how lovingly she always played with Vivienne. She was a very special lady and we will always remember her in our hearts.
Yvonne Gary
May 26, 2011
Casey and Natalie, I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Yvonne Gary
Candice Guthrie
May 26, 2011
Mrs. Mergist was my 4th grade teacher at Lerosen Elementary (1992-1993). She was wonderful and one of the few teachers I remember now that I'm older. She was such a great teacher and a wonderful lady. God Bless her soul and my she rest in peace.
Sandra (Fred) Melancon
May 26, 2011
Sorry for the lose of Barbara. My prayers are with you all. God Bless and Take Care.
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