Emily Lejeune

We mourn the loss yet celebrate the remarkable century-long journey of Emily Mary LeJeune, our beloved Little Maw Maw. She passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at the age of 100 with her daughters Gloria and Jennifer by her side. Emily was born in Branch, LA, on October 26, 1923, to Letecia Matte and Ulysse R. Meche.

She is survived by her daughters Gloria LeJeune (David Miller) and Jennifer LeJeune. She is welcomed into Heaven by her loving parents, her husband Theo LeJeune, her brother John Hugh Thibodeaux, and her foster mother Helen Meleck Fruge “Grandma Fruge”.  Emily’s legacy lives on through her surviving grandchildren Lorri Lugrin (George), Chad Goldreyer (Jennifer), Kevin Richard (Carrie), Lisa Hazleton, and Mark Richard. She is also lovingly remembered by her nine great-grandchildren (Lindsey Lugrin, Leslie Freed, Krista Navarre, Derek Richard, Sarah Gibson, Austin “Tony” Gibson, Breyanna Richard, Jac Richard, and Elijah Goldreyer), and five great-great-grandchildren (Kaydanz St. Germain, Keelan St. Germain, Parker Navarre, Caleb Richard-Adcock, and Samantha McNiel).

Emily personally selected the following pallbearers to accompany her on her final journey:  Kevin Richard, Mark Richard, Chad Goldreyer, Derek Richard, George “Skooter” Lugrin, and Michael Goldreyer, and honorary pallbearers: Henry LeJeune and Dave Miller.

Emily was a vibrant Cajun woman, whose life story was as colorful and spirited as her personality. She spent her early days in the quaint towns of Branch and Church Point, LA, where she learned Cajun French and embraced the rich culture and traditions of Louisiana.

After Emily graduated from Rayne High School in 1940, she married Theo LeJeune and eventually moved to Lake Charles. Their marriage was full of deep love and passion, laying the foundation for a family that would grow to span generations. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and eventually a great-great-grandmother, Emily was the ultimate Cajun matriarch and deeply devoted to her family. She was known for her feisty spirit and boldness, demonstrated by getting a tattoo of her own name on her leg, a daring choice at the time before tattoos were popular. This was a bold response to her husband returning home from World War II with his own risqué tattoo.

Emily also embraced the simple joys of life, such as whipping up a delicious bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo, caring for her beloved cats and Chihuahuas, and going for walks around her neighborhood. She particularly enjoyed gaming, eating lots of sugary treats, and would drink coffee at all hours of the day! When asked about the secret to longevity, Emily replied, “Minding your own business!”. Her response encapsulates her straight-shooting, independent spirit. Her century-long journey, marked by humor, resilience, and a distinctive Cajun flair, leaves a lasting legacy cherished by all who knew her.

The family extends their deepest thanks to the staff at Landmark of Lake Charles and Brighton Bridge Hospice for their exceptional care and support in Emily’s final years.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Monday, December 4, from 12 PM to 2 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2 PM in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, Lake Charles, with burial at Consolata Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Emily LeJeune may be made to St. Jude at stjude.org, Hobo Hotel at hobohotelforcats.com, or a charity of one’s choice. Her legacy as a devout Catholic, prayer warrior, great counselor, and friend to many will forever remain a guiding light to all who knew her.