Louise Rodrigue
November 4, 2015
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
November 5, 2015
Major Emiline “Duce” Ann Bourgeois, 103, a native and resident of Thibodaux, La., died Friday, Oct. 30, 2015.
Visitation will be today held from 9 a.m. until Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Thibodaux, La.
Ms. Bourgeois was one of the oldest living female World War II veterans in Louisiana. She graduated from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing and worked briefly in obstetrics until she enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1945. She nursed wounded soldiers in the Philippines and Germany before returning to obstetrics in the New Jersey and New York. Her military awards include the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Germany Occupation Medal, the National Defense Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and a West Point Academy Patch. She returned to Thibodaux in 1962 and worked as a nurse at Thibodaux General until her retirement.
Ms. Bourgeois is survived by her siblings, Cora Lee Smith and Godfrey Bourgeois; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Major Bourgeois’ name to the World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA. 70130.
