Alvirda J. Calais

Breaux Bridge – A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for Alvirda J. Calais, 94, who passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday. A rosary was prayed at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Rev. Joseph Campion officiated at the Funeral Service. Scriptures were read by Melanie Bibb and Noah Anderson. Gift Bearers were Gabrielle Anderson and Kalis Cook.
Interment followed at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Breaux Bridge.
Mrs. Calais attended Catholic school as a young girl. A devout Catholic whose faith in God remained strong until the end, Alvirda prayed the Rosary daily and especially loved watching EWTN. She was recently recognized as one of the eldest parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, was awarded the oldest family member attending the Calais-Mouton Family Reunion, and was the September “Resident of the Month” at St. Agnes Nursing Home in Breaux Bridge.
As a young wife and mother, Alvirda worked on the farm alongside her husband and children. While working on the farm, she was constantly instilling in her children the importance of hard work and obtaining an education to achieve greatness in their lives. A woman of many talents, she was also a wonderful seamstress and sewed clothing for herself and many family members. Alvirda also worked for Babineaux’s Meat Market for several years.
She was an exceptional cook who prided herself on her preparation of many Creole dishes, which she prepared for family and friends throughout the community. Alvirda was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed attending functions for her children and grandchildren, which included many graduations and weddings. As a pastime she enjoyed gardening and had a fond love of cats.
She is survived by her daughters, Rose Thibodeaux and husband Courtney of Lafayette, Gloria C. Griffin and husband Roy of Missouri City, Texas, Virgie C. Anderson and husband Claude of Scott, and Patricia Ann Calais of Lafayette; her son, Joseph V. Calais Jr. of Breaux Bridge; her sister, Thelma Dural of Lafayette; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph V. Calais Sr.; her parents, Dandevall and Azelma Broussard Jolivette; her daughter, Mary Ann Calais Cypriean; her sisters, Agnes LaGrange and Lucille Senegal; and her brother, Calvin Jolivette.
Pallbearers were Joseph V. Calais Jr., Roy Griffin Jr., Kevin Thibodeaux, Kenneth Thibodeaux, Troy Anderson, Jeremy Anderson and Keith Cypriean.
Honorary pallbearers were Leroy Calais, Herbert Mouton, Claude Anderson Jr., Courtney Thibodeaux and Roy Griffin Sr.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the residents and employees at St. Agnes Nursing Home and the doctors at St. Martin Hospital, especially Dr. Ben Degatur.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.