Sister Eulalia Boudreaux, MSC

On December 19, 1917, the Lord gifted Abraham Boudreaux, Sr. and Lucy Olympia Alleman Boudreaux with a baby girl, Beatrice. Beatrice, known in religion as Sister Mary Eulalia Boudreaux, MSC, was one of five children – two boys and three girls—who grew up in a loving and close knit family in Eunice, Louisiana.

Sister Eulalia entered the Marianites of Holy Cross on September 19, 1936 and pronounced her perpetual vows on August 10, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She received her Masters of Education Degree from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas.  She ministered in education in New Orleans at St. Cecilia, Saints Peter and Paul, St. Rita, Holy Name of Mary, St. Agnes, St. Christopher, St. Mary of the Angels as well as in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  She served as librarian at Opelousas Catholic, at Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles, at St. Edmund’s in Eunice, and at Holy Angels in New Orleans.  Her last years of active ministry were spent as a faculty member and librarian at Our Lady of Holy Cross College (now the University of Holy Cross) in New Orleans.  Committed to professional development for herself and others, she held positions in several professional organizations including Secretary of National Catholic Music Education Association of New Orleans; Secretary of National Catholic Library Association of New Orleans; Chairman of High School Section of GNOA Unit of Catholic Library Association.

An avid learner and dedicated educator, she was generous in helping her students of all ages to succeed.   Easily approachable, her face was dominated by sparkling blue eyes and a ready smile to greet all who passed her way.  As a Marianite, she was devoted to and engaged in community.  Her frequent refrain was the proud declaration: “I am a Marianite of Holy Cross” and she died on the 76^th anniversary of her perpetual vows, August 10^th!

Her final years were spent as a resident at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility.  During this time, she aged gracefully and joyfully showing a warmth and care for others around her.  She loved to sing and, even at the age of 99, the “hills were alive with the sound of music!”  With a song in her heart and the words and melody on her lips, she was a treasure in our midst.  Sr. Eulalia died at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana at 6:29 PM on August 10, 2017. We rejoice with her as she now adds her voice to the choir of angels.

To celebrate her life, a wake service and Mass of the Resurrection was held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home. Sr. Eulalia was laid to rest in the St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.