Velma Petry Lemaire

February 17, 1918 — December 11, 2009

Gueydan—Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Velma Petry LeMaire, 91, who died Friday, December 11, 2009 at Wynwood of Mandeville. She was a native of Gueydan, LA and a longtime resident of Norco, LA and Poplarville, MS. Her final years were spent in Mandeville, LA. She will be laid to rest at Gueydan Cemetery with Reverend Jason Vidrine officiating the services.

Velma received a bachelor's degree from USL (ULL) and a master's degree from LSU. She valued education and spent most of her working years teaching in the St. Charles Parish school system. She was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma and served on many boards and committees as part of her commitment to her work. After her retirement, she and her husband, Otto LeMaire, moved to Poplarville, MS to be close to their son, Wayne LeMaire, M.D. She continued her service to children and education as a volunteer librarian at Annunciation Catholic School in Bogalusa, LA where she was honored by having the library named after her. Her commitment to God, family, and His people was recognized by many. She was an honored recipient of the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion for her service to the Catholic Church.

Affectionately known as "Chere Chere," she is survived by her devoted grandchildren, Monique L. Sparks, Nicole L. Quinlivan, Mitou L. Scott, and Mignette L. Hagan; as well as her brother, Reno Petry; and sister, Sr. Lou Petry, O.P.; and loving family and friends. Her great grandchildren were also a significant part of her final years. They include Ashleigh Sparks, Jordan Sparks, Rachel Quinlivan, Madisen Scott, Marion Scott, Jennings Scott, Madeline Hagan, and Saige Hagan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reno and Sylvania Petry; her beloved husband, Otto LeMaire; and son, Wayne T. LeMaire, M.D.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Gueydan, 311 Fourth Street, on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 8 a.m. until the procession departs for the church service at 11 a.m. A rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Velma LeMaire's name to Annunciation Catholic School Library, 511 Avenue C, Bogalusa, LA 70427.

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Velma Petry Lemaire

February 17, 1918 — December 11, 2009

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