Sister Brenda Comeaux, MSC

Sr. Brenda Marie Comeaux, MSC was born May 7, 1951, in Arnaudville, LA. She died at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home on December 7, 2022, at 4:40 AM.

Sr. Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Whitney Comeaux, her mother, Vivian Quebedeaux; and by her brothers: Carl and Kenneth Comeaux. She is survived by her brother, Kevin and wife, Sheila Comeaux; by her sister-in-law, Barbara Comeaux, and her nieces and nephews who brought her so much delight and joy.

Inspired by the Marianites of Holy Cross in Arnaudville, Sr. Brenda fervently desired to be a Marianite since she was in elementary school. Her desire was joyfully fulfilled when she entered the Congregation on August 31, 1969, and pronounced her perpetual vows on August 22, 1976. During her early years in the Congregation, she received her degree in education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College (University of Holy Cross) and her master’s degree in Education from Loyola University.

Early in ministry, she enjoyed teaching and was involved in elementary education at several schools in the New Orleans area including: Saint Rita, Resurrection, and Saints Peter & Paul. She later expanded her services into religious education and served as director of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish in Ville Platte, at Annunciation Parish in Albemarle, North Carolina, and at Infant Jesus Parish in Harvey, LA. From education and parish ministry, she continued to share her gifts serving in pastoral care for eight years at Wynhoven Health Center in Marrero, LA. In 1998, she moved to Opelousas and coordinated pastoral care at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home. She remained in that ministry for 10 years dedicated to the preparation and implementation of all liturgical services, visiting the residents and participating in activities. In numerous ways, she rendered devoted service to the staff, the residents and their families. Due to declining health from Parkinson’s disease, she was admitted to Prompt Succor Nursing Home in June 2009. However, even as her physical abilities declined, she continued to be a pastoral presence to others. Living in the mystery of her physical limitations and health issues, she remained committed to her original heart’s desire of being a Marianite, a vowed religious of prayer and compassion.

As her bodily strength declined, her spirit remained strong and resolute. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She supported and encouraged them in their joys and sorrows. She was a partner in prayer to many of the staff who cared for her.

At the end of her mortal life and beginning of her eternal life, she offers us the spiritual treasures of her fidelity to prayer, devotion to family and friends, dedication to her religious vocation, and her steadfast faith in the midst of pain and bodily diminishment. These are the pearls of great price which we find revealed in the mystery of her life.

We rejoice with you, Sr. Brenda, as you are freed from all infirmity and enter joyfully into eternal life. We ask that you continue to pray for us in the spirit of one of your favorite psalms: Shepherd us, O Lord, through the dark valleys, to restful waters, to green pastures. Shepherd us, O Lord, with your rod and staff which give us courage. Shepherd us, O Lord, beyond our wants, beyond our fears from death into life. (Psalm 23)

To celebrate her life, a wake service was held from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Monday, December 12, 2022, in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 10:00 AM in the same chapel followed by burial in St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas, Louisiana.

The Marianites of Holy Cross express our profound gratitude to the staff of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home for enhancing, in countless ways, the quality of Sr. Brenda’s life. We acknowledge and greatly appreciate the expertise and support provided to her by the staff of Traditions Hospice. We are deeply grateful to Keevin and Sheila Comeaux for being her loving, devoted, and faithful companions on the journey.