Joan Ella Blanchard

Breaux Bridge – A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for Joan Ella Blanchard, 86, who passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday.
A rosary was prayed at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Rev. Stephen Ugwa officiated the service. Readers were Lorenza Charles and Terell Chevalier. Giftbearers were Daniel Zeno Jr. and Elijah Zeno.
Interment followed at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Breaux Bridge.
Mrs. Blanchard enjoyed talking on the phone, dancing to zydeco music, watching game shows on television, and cooking and canning fruits for her family. She cherished moments spent with her family and friends.
She is survived by her sons, Lawrence Blanchard and wife Shirleta of Breaux Bridge, Wilson Zeno and wife Nina of Arnaudville, and Lonnie Zeno and wife Sarah of Lafayette; daughters, Emily Williams and husband Gaston, Ellen Thomas and husband Clarence Thomas Jr. of Breaux Bridge, Emma Charles and husband Norris of St. Martinville, Rebecca Arceneaux and husband Andrew of Arnaudville, Lorita Davis and husband Milton of Breaux Bridge, and Justina Headnot and husband Chris of Beaumont, Texas; brother, Patrick Benjamin and wife Nola of St. Martinville; sisters, Lavina Babin of Houston, Texas, Selena Wiltz of Crowley, Jessie Mae James of St. Martinville, and Eva Labbe of Houston, Texas; daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Blanchard of Breaux Bridge; 43 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and six Godchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband, Clarence Zeno; mother, Amanda Benjamin; father, George Benjamin; sons, Norwood Blanchard, Nolton Blanchard, Willie Zeno and George Zeno; grandchildren, Kendrick Blanchard, Daniel Zeno and Germaine Williams; sisters, Margaret Clement and Mary Richard; brothers, Michael Benjamin, Sterling Benjamin, Jessie Benjamin and Alton Benjamin; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Lawrence Blanchard, Milton Davis, Wilson Zeno, Chris Headnot, Lonnie Zeno, Andrew Arceaneaux, Norris Charles Jr. and Brian Blanchard.
Honorary pallbearers were Jeremiah Thomas, Lonnie Lambert, Darnell Chevalier Jr., Nolton Blanchard Jr., Joe Richard, Dwayne Wood Blanchard, Gerald Zeno, Antonio Williams, Dalton Benjamin, Larry Wiltz, Charlie Dugas and Wilson LeBlanc.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.