Melba C. Maraist

St. Martinville – A Mass of Christian burial wase celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 5, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parks for Melba C. Maraist, 70, who passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and continued on Monday at 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Rev. Donovan Labbé officiated at the Mass of Christian Burial. Readers were Harley E. Vann and Spencer M. Poirier. Gift bearers were Richard L. Wedlake, Sarah D. Maraist, David M. Poirier and Karl J. Vann.
Interment followed at St. Michael Mausoleum in St. Martinville.
Melba loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She enjoyed camping, driving the family on vacations, traveling frequently to Branson, Mo., cooking for family on Sundays, and helping build homes for Habitat Home Builds. Melba retired from the St. Martin Parish School System as a Paraprofessional, and was a member of K of C Auxiliary Parks and WOW Chapter 134 St. Martinville. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving spouse of 52 years, Paul J. Maraist; one son, Lawrence J. Maraist and wife Sarah; three daughters, Sherrie M. Wedlake and husband Richard, Lorrie M. Poirier and husband David, and Christine M. Vann and husband Karl; eight grandchildren, Spencer M. Poirier, Nigel P. Wedlake, Dustin J. Maraist, Coy P. Poirier, Bryce M. Vann, Harley E. Vann, Kailey A. Maraist and Katherine N. Wedlake; one great-grandchild, Sophia “Princess” R. Poirier; and one brother, Patrick James Champagne and wife Pearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Rita Melancon Champagne.
Pallbearers were Spencer M. Poirier, Nigel P. Wedlake, Dustin J. Maraist, Coy P. Poirier, Bryce M. Vann, Kailey A. Maraist and Katherine N. Wedlake.
Honorary Pallbearer were Patrick James “Pie” Champagne.
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.