Essie Oncale Perque

Posted Monday, October 12, 2009

Essie Oncale Perque, 78, a native of Choupic, La., and a resident of Thibodaux, La., died peacefully at home Thursday, Oct. 8.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Kirby Perque; four children, Gretchen P. Smith and husband Martin of Plattenville, La., Kurt Perque and wife Connie of St. Gabriel, La., Mary P. Noto and husband Brian of Luling, La., and Mark Perque and wife Lizabeth of Thibodaux; former son-in-law, Tommy Minton of Patterson, La.; 14 grandchildren, Adam Smith and wife Lynn, Scott and Kathy Smith, Richard “Pete”, Anne and husband Walter Schmidt, Jerome, and Joseph Perque, Natalie, Andrew and Jason Noto, Ryan and Danielle Perque, and Coby and Cade Minton; three step-grandchildren, Dale LeBlanc and wife Britney, Paul LeBlanc and wife Kelly LeBlanc, and Thomas Bourgeois; two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Izabella; and four step-great-grandchildren, Harris, Britton, Cohen and Brody.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Sheila Perque Minton; parents, Oleus and Marie Navarre Oncale; and seven siblings, Laurie Oncale, Linda O. Usey, Ida O. Clement, Ester O. Willingham, Edwin Oncale, Aline “Tillie” O. Oncale and Eurcenia Oncale.

Since its inception, she was a member and supporter of St. Genevieve Catholic Church and school as well as a supporter of E.D. White Catholic High School and E.D. White Mother’s Club. Her deepest passion was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to St. Genevieve Catholic School Playground Fund, 807 Barbier Avenue, Thibodaux, LA 70301. Her family is very grateful for the loving care given to her by her very special sitters and Journey Hospice of Houma, La.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Thibodaux with mass to follow. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Landry’s Funeral Home in Thibodaux is in charge of the arrangements.