Mary Blanche Marchand

(1926 - 2014) Beloved wife of 67 years to Merlin (Van), WWII Veteran, entered her heavenly rest on November 17, 2014, from complications of heart surgery. Besides her husband, Van, she is survived by her children: Deborah Marchand, Merlin Marchand, Jr. (wife, Emily), and Stephen Marchand (wife, Cheryl); her grandchildren: Kristi, Patrick, Laurin, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Jason, and Chelsea; her great-grandchildren: Hannah, Elliot, Ava, Delilah, Emily Belle, and Roman; her siblings: Ollie Mae Waggenspack, Catherine Sharp, Emile Peltier, Jr., Carol Peltier, and Linda Landry. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mary Blanche was preceded in death by her parents. Emile Peltier, Sr., and Blanche Keller Peltier, and her siblings: Selby, Emmett, and Alvord. Mary Blanche was the ultimate organizer who planned and carried out family biennial Disney trips for 35+ years. She was a good cook, a gracious hostess and insisted on family meals at her house twice a week. Using the words of her grandson-in-law, J.R. Guadiana, "I never knew anyone who cared for and worked so hard for everyone around her." Mary Blanche was a devoted member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Ladies Altar Society. She felt it was her privilege to contribute to family bereavement meals. Visitation for Mary Blanche will be on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. followed by mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in St. Gabriel, LA. Pallbearers will be Merlin Marchand, Jr., Stephen Marchand, Jason Marchand, Chelsea Bovara, Patrick Marchand, and Todd Husers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old St Gabriel Catholic Church Restoration Fund. Services by Rabenhorst. Condolences can be expressed at www.rabenhorst.com.