Mary Farrer Bamford Broussard

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Posted Thursday, June 18, 2009


Mary Farrer Bamford Broussard, 94, a native of England and resident of Houma, La., died at home in the arms of family at 108 Krumbhaar Drive in Houma, at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 16, 2009.


She is survived by her daughter, Karen Marie Broussard and late husband, David Bruce Bowe; one son, Charles Edward Broussard and wife, Millie; grandchildren, Damon Brian Bowe, Heather Marie Bowe LeBlanc and husband, Brent; Collin Stafford Bowe, Kyle David Bowe, Sean Sebastian Bowe, Dawn Broussard Anderson and husband, Karl, Lori Broussard van der Lugt and husband, Peter, Jerome Lee Broussard, and Steven Matthew Broussard and wife, Brandi; great-grandchildren, Mary Louise LeBlanc, David Oliver LeBlanc, the late Kuylen Stafford LeBlanc, Caleb Anderson, Michael Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Noah Anderson and Briley van der Lugt; British relatives, nieces and nephews, Bill Bamford and Sue, Richard Bamford and Janie, Ruth McCraight and the late Patrick, Jane Crowther and Dr. Andrew, Ann Saunders and Richard, Sally Stanbury and Christopher, Oliver Durling and Charlotte; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome A. Broussard; her parents, Money Elsie Bacon Bamford and Percy Bamford; siblings, Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Bamford and wife, Betty, Dr. Brian Bamford and wife, Mollie, Margaret Ann Durling and husband, Hubert.


Mary held dual citizenship after marrying the late Jerome A. Broussard in England in 1945. A passenger on the Queen Mary, she arrived in the United States with the rest of the World War II brides. In Delph Lodge Delph, Saddlesworth, York, England, she was born of parents, Money Elsie Bacon Bamford and Percy Bamford. She was educated at Godolphin School for girls in Britain. While working as a secretary for the Ministry of Information during WWII she met Jerome, a censor. She and Jerome lived in Gulf Port, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, where Jerome was Superintendent 19 years, and Loreauville. After Jerome died in 1982, she lived in Houma. Much of her life, she substituted in schools and volunteered at libraries and churches, serving the community. She worked with Scouts and Girl Scouts. At Grace Episcopal Church, St. Francisville, she served on the Altar Guild as she did at Ascension, Lafayette, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, New Iberia, and St. Matthew’s. At St. Matthew’s Episcopal School, Mary volunteered in the library for 20 years. She also taught aerobics in nursing homes in Houma. Governor Foster honored her with an award for volunteerism from the state of LA. Her love for gardening, especially growing roses, served as exercise. Many years she exercised at the YMCA and Renaissance well into her nineties, thanks to her fitness trainers. Mary often repeated, “I have such a wonderful life and have done so many things in my life. I have traveled and known so many people. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you. Thank you.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Matthew’s Episcopal School Endowment Fund, St. Matthew’s Church Building Endowment Fund, or the St. Matthew’s Prayer Garden. Check may be payable to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to funeral time Saturday at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 243 Barrow St. in Houma. The Holy Eucharist service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, ashes will be at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Scott. A celebration of life gathering will be at the home of Mary and Stan Gauthier, 1105 B Hebert Lane Highway, St. Martinville, LA, 70782, at approximately 2 p.m. (337-845-5252).

Chauvin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Farrer Bamford Broussard