Obituaries

Dudley Paul Fremin, a former resident of Morganza, LA, passed away on November 6, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Ventress, LA. He was 98 years old and a World War II Veteran. He was wounded at Normandy for which he received a Purple Heart. Dudley was born in Mc-Call, LA on June 22, 1925 into what was to be a family of 10 children. He was a tenant farmer with his dad for many years until the plantation they farmed was sold. He then became employed by J Ray McDermott as a cook on a barge for 22 years until his retirement. Dudley was a member of the American Legion Post 0248. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his vegetables with his family and friends. He loved to pick pecans, shell them and store them in the freezer to share with others when they visited. He would use his pecans to make chocolate and peanut butter fudge for his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Dudley’s greatest pastime was rabbit hunting with his younger brother, Curtis, and their sons and grandsons. They were members of the Crawfish Pond Hunting Club and Bayou State Rabbit Hunters Federation. He and Curtis had many great times rabbit hunting and chopping wood at McCrea in Upper Pointe Coupee Parish. They enjoyed just spending time together. Dudley is survived by his daughter, Sandra F. Ducote and her two children; Barry J. (Jay) Ducote, Jr., and his son, Dakota D. Ducote, and Monica D. Saizan (Travis); his son, Larry (Sonny) Joseph Fremin and wife, Connie Chustz Fremin; grandson, Matthew Joseph Fremin (Abby); great-grandsons, Kaden Paul Fremin and Bradley Beyer (Christine); great-granddaughters, Jessica Bordeon, Kinsley Marie Perault and Ella Marie Presley; great great- grandson, Ryder Liam Hoyt; great greatgranddaughter, Arabella Grace Hoyt. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Stella Mae Blanchard Fremin; parents, Alvine Marie Albarez Fremin and Anatole Noe Fremin; grandson, Jacob Noel Fremin; son-in-law, Barry J. Ducote, Sr.; sisters, Lois F. Leonard, Lillian F. Landry, Dorothy F. McCann, and Marion F. Ledouceur; and his brothers, Dediker Fremin, Russell Joseph Fremin, Ned Anatole Fremin, Raymond Gerard Fremin and Curtis Peter Fremin.Heartfelt thanks to his caregiver of two years, Brenda Aguillard, whom he dearly loved and would have been lost without. Her devotion and excellent care definitely made his life easier and more fulfilling. The family wishes memorial donations to go to the Pointe Coupee Hospice or St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital. The family wishes to give a special thanks to the staff and personnel of Pointe Coupee Hospice. The love and devotion that was shown toward Dudley exceeded our expectations and has never gone unnoticed. Your compassion and care has gotten us through some of the most difficult times and a thank you will never be enough. The visitation will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Morganza, La on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am. The entombment will follow in the church mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Marshall Barber, Jr., Curtis Peter Fremin, Kaden Paul Fremin, Matthew Joseph Fremin, Travis Scott Saizan, and James Edward Spillers. Honorary pallbearers are James (Long) Allement, Blair Joseph Fremin, Larry Joseph Fremin, and Dale Moritz.

Dr. Alvin Joseph Fabre, Jr., passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, October 28, 2023. A lifelong educator, he taught 1000’s of students during his lifetime and loved each one as if they were a part of his family. Wherever he went, he was sure to run into someone that he taught or the children of one of his students in his later years. He could talk for hours about the antics of the kids that passed through his doors. Alvin was the first teacher to serve as President of the National Association of Laboratory Schools. His affiliation with NALS brought him all over the world to begin Laboratory schools in Cameroon, Honduras, and Romania. The majority of Alvin’s teaching career was spent at University High Lab School (32 years) with a 7-year stint teaching at Livonia High School. A devout Catholic his entire life he was an active participant in his church and in his community. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Lillian Fabre, Sr., his loving wife of 58 years Charlotte Mary Morgan Fabre and their infant daughter Anne Michelle Fabre. Alvin is survived by his brother James Ronald Fabre (Grace) and his children Matthew (Linda) Fabre, Lauren (Bill) Lunsford, Elise Evans, Ben (Jessica) Fabre; Grandchildren Michael (Kellie) Crippen, Thomas (Abby) Fabre, Evan (Tiffany) McGehee, Tami (John) Maggio, Cory Lunsford, Casey (Hakan) Isiklioglu; Great Grandchildren Genevieve, Francis, Joan, Louis, Charlotte, Everly, Brittany (Blake), Emily (Caleb), Daniel (Makayla), Lillian, Alex, Alyssa and Great, Great Grandkids DJ, Luna, Beckham. And numerous nieces and nephews that he treasured. Pallbearers that will bring Alvin to his final resting place include Matthew Fabre, Ben Fabre, Michael Crippen, Tommy Fabre, Bryan LaCour and Brad Garon. The visitation will be held at Niland’s Funeral Home on Monday, November 6, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 9:30am until 11:30am. The Mass of Christian burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 12:00 noon. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Hall.

A native and resident of Fordoche, she passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Pointe Coupee Health Care at the age of 97. She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Pat), Lester Jr. (Carolyn) and Craig Smith; daughters, Susan Vickers and Kathy Haydel (Joe); thirteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Smith Sr.; Baby Boy Smith; great granddaughter, Kylee Vickers; son in law, Mike Vickers; parents, Ella and Michelle Legier; four brothers, Elusse, Wilson, Louis and Alvin and two sisters, Marie Meche and Shirley LaCombe. A visitation was held at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Livonia on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. The entombment followed in the church mausoleum. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Henrietta Demoulin, a resident of Torbert, La, passed away on October 25, 2023 at the age of 77. Henrietta was a devoted member of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church where she was also a member of the Ladies Altar Society. She enjoyed spending time in her yard gardening, working in her flower beds and all of her yard work. Henrietta was a loving mother and grandmother, enjoyed spending time with each of them, and was also loved her grand-dog, Nate. Henrietta is survived by her son, Gregory Demoulin; daughter, JoAnne Demoulin Hollingsworth; grandchildren, Jeanne and Matthew Hollingsworth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Demoulin; parents, Lorena and Alcide Guillory; in-laws, Hilda and Jimmie Demoulin; brother, Eugene Soileau; sister, Rosetta Hooks; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Harrison. Visiting was held at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Livonia on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. The burial followed at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic cemetery.

C. Jerome “Jerry” D’Aquila, a resident of New Roads, LA, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family, at the age of 83. He was born on August 29, 1940 in Fort Adams, MS, where he was also raised. Jerry was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He graduated from Loyola Law School in 1966 and was admitted to the practice of law on August 31, 1966. Jerry founded D’Aquila Law Firm in New Roads, LA, in 1966, where he operated a successful practice for over 50 years. Jerry began service as the Chief Public Defender for Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes on January 1, 1968 and served for 55 years. Jerry is survived by his wife Victoria “Vicki” D’Aquila; his children, Gina D’Aquila Watson (Stephen), Paul D’Aquila, Jerica D’Aquila Chustz (Mark), and Cy J. D’Aquila, Jr. (Heather); his grandchildren, Hunter D’Aquila, Isabella D’Aquila, Olivia D’Aquila, Sawyer D’Aquila, Archer D’Aquila, Madelynn Chustz, Mia Chustz, Juliana Chustz, Kate Watson and Matthew Watson, who affectionately called him “Papa” and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosario “Cy” D’Aquila and Madeline Tuminello D’Aquila; his brothers, Thomas D’Aquila and Vincent D’Aquila; and his in-laws, Murphy Oubre and Rita Oubre. Jerry enjoyed sharing his Italian culture with his family and friends, especially while holding a glass of red wine and of course, a cigar. He was an avid LSU Tigers and Houston Astros fan and enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He delighted in traveling to his beloved Cefalu, Sicily, with his wife, family and friends. Jerry loved his family with all he had. All of his “sweet peas” held a special place in Papa’s heart. Jerry’s passion was practicing law and he made many life-long friends through his love of the law. His personality was unforgettable. Jerry will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Visitation was held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads, LA, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a mass of Christian Burial immediately followed at St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads, LA Interment followed at False River Memorial Park in New Roads, LA. Pallbearers were Mark Chustz, Stephen Watson, Paul D’Aquila, Cy D’Aquila, Hunter D’Aquila, Matthew Watson, Chuck Dawson and Tanner Dawson. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas Nelson, Dr. Louis Montelaro, Allen Freeman, Judge Kevin Kimball, Randy Guidroz and Craig Major. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family would like to thank all of Jerry’s family and friends, Dr. Louis Montelaro and his staff for their many years of care, Pointe Coupee Homebound Health and Hospice and all who have shown care and kindness in his last days.

Vincent “Doonie” Purpera, a native and resident of Innis, LA, passed away on October 13, 2023 at the age of 76. Doonie graduated from Louisiana State University and then went to graduate school where he earned his degree as a Pharmacist. He would later retire and go on to become a cattle farmer where he got to live out his dream as a cowboy. Doonie enjoyed going to Green Lake where he would spend time fishing and hunting. He loved getting to spend time with his family and friends, but mostly his great nieces and nephew. Doonie never had children of his own, but spent much of his time raising and loving his nieces and nephew like they were his own. Vincent is survived by his mother, Joyce Hopkins Purpera; sisters, Madalyn Nelson (Oscar) and Toni Lyn Purpera; nieces, Chaney Dupre, Robi Torres (Travis), and Jodi Lyn Nelson; nephew, Jared Nelson (Rachel); great nieces, Carmen, Lane, Vinci, Kyle, and Jules Toni; great nephew, Hendrix and his beloved horse, Tucker. Preceded in death by his father, Vincent Purpera Jr. The visitation was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Innis, La on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. The burial followed at a later date. Special thanks to the Surgical ICU doctors and nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Vincent “Doonie” Purpera, a native and resident of Innis, LA, passed away on October 13, 2023 at the age of 76. Doonie graduated from Louisiana State University and then went to graduate school where he earned his degree as a Pharmacist. He would later retire and go on to become a cattle farmer where he got to live out his dream as a cowboy. Doonie enjoyed going to Green Lake where he would spend time fishing and hunting. He loved getting to spend time with his family and friends, but mostly his great nieces and nephew. Doonie never had children of his own, but spent much of his time raising and loving his nieces and nephew like they were his own. Vincent is survived by his mother, Joyce Hopkins Purpera; sisters, Madalyn Nelson (Oscar) and Toni Lyn Purpera; nieces, Chaney Dupre, Robi Torres (Travis), and Jodi Lyn Nelson; nephew, Jared Nelson (Rachel); great nieces, Carmen, Lane, Vinci, Kyle, and Jules Toni; great nephew, Hendrix and his beloved horse, Tucker. Preceded in death by his father, Vincent Purpera Jr. The visitation will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Innis, La on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 10:00 am until the Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm. The burial will follow at a later date. Special thanks to the Surgical ICU doctors and nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Myra J. Hutchinson Gates, retired OTC Manager for Walmart Pharmacy and native of New Roads, La, departed this life to eternal life on Wednesday, September 27,2023 at Woman’s Hospital Baton Rouge,La. Myra was born on December 6, 1954, in New Roads, La, to the union of Walter & Ceola Fields Hutchinson, and after graduating from Rosenwald High school, she earned a Bachelor Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Myra has one son- Joshua Gates, who was the “apple of her eyes”. Myra later returned to her hometown and was employed in Pharmacy Department of Walmart for over 25 years. She was indeed a hard worker, and connected daily with customers & citizens of New Roads, many of whom relied upon her expertise and assistance. She was a very Community minded person and would always work diligently to “get out the early votes”. Myra was a student of the Word and accepted Jesus as Savior many years ago, was a faithful and a long-time member of The Holy Church of God In Christ and more recently at Open Door Fellowship Ministry. Myra loved her family and family life totally. Many years she spearheaded Thanksgiving dinner, Tea parties at her home and would call everyone to say it’s time for a family gathering and had a systematic plan for the dish each family member would bring. Her leadership in many areas will be missed by many, but the memories will last.

Nelda Dozier Grady “Momma Faye”, a resident of Batchelor, LA, passed away at 8:55 am on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Bayou Chateau Nursing Home in Simmesport, LA. She was 84 years young. Nelda retired as a nurse. She enjoyed traveling the roads with her sisters and spending time with her family and loved ones. A graveside service was held at Latanache Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by Brother Davy Kelone, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by the burial. Nelda is survived by her sons, Terry Grady, Sr. and wife Michelle Grady of Batchelor, LA and A.J. Grady III of Tucson, AZ; 2 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Allen, Bobbie Lowrie, and Mona McDaniel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Joseph Grady, Jr; parents, George and Beatrice Dozier; brothers, George Jr. and Billy; sisters, Daisy Dake, Mildred Moore, Betty Hall and Ann Moore. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Latanache Baptist Church for the Baptist Children’s Home. The Grady family would like to thank the staff of Bayou Chateau Nursing Home in Simmesport, LA and Pointe Coupee Home Health and Hospice, and Dr. Paul Rachal for all of their loving care given to “Momma Faye”. Pallbearers will be Terry Grady, Jr., Courtney Spears, Henry Davis III, Walter Allen, Luke Allen, Ben Young, Wade Moore and Karson Moore.

Dana Alan Kindy, a native of Palm Springs, CA and resident of Baton Rouge, LA, died peacefully on October 1, 2023, at the age of 73. Dana proudly served the United States Army in Vietnam and was the proprietor of Decorator Depot and Kindy Enterprises. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed cheering on the LSU Tigers. He is survived by his three daughters, Karissa Kindy of Miami, FL, Nanette Holmes (Ory) of Lakeland, LA, and Katie Bates (Nolan) of Holden, LA; sister Sheryl Spargur of Pahrump, NV; grandchildren Naythan, Christopher, and Jolene Holmes, and Kathy and Michael Bates. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Bondy Kindy; parents, Dana and Monnie Kindy; and brother Larry Kindy. Special thanks to the staff members of Heart of Hospice, and loving family and friends for all of their prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary of False River Youth Ministry. The visitation will be held at Niland’s Funeral Home in New Roads, LA on Friday, October 6 at 9AM with the Mass of Christian burial held at St. Mary of False River at noon. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery with a gathering to follow at the St. Mary of False River Parish Hall. Pallbearers will be Ory Holmes, Nolan Bates, and Dana’s nephews. Honorary pallbearer will be Jeff Huckaby.