Evangelina Gonzales Beaugh

Evangelina “Eva” Gonzales Beaugh was born June 18, 1940, in Brownsville, Texas to Miguel Gonzales and Esperanza Rodriguez Gonzales. She was the second born of seven children. Growing up she was surrounded by her six sisters, Rosa, Toby, Ana, Caro, Hopey and one brother, Mike “Bebe”. She had an immense love for reading and at times could be a bit mischievous. This mischievous nature gained her the nickname, Pingues, which translates from Spanish to mean “little devil”. In 1965, she met the love of her life, Charles Beaugh on a blind date. At the time of their meeting, Eva was working for the Federal government as a translator with the Office of Immigration and Naturalization. Early in their courtship, she was transferred from Brownsville, Texas to the American Embassy in Mexico City. She was thrilled to embark on such an adventure, but it also meant the beginning of a long-distance courtship. Charles would travel by car 800 miles where he faced primitive roads, few road signs, and a language barrier. He only spoke Cajun French and English. The journey was rough to say the least. They were married in Brownsville, TX on December 17, 1966. After the birth of their first child, Yvette, in 1968, Eva and Charles moved to Lake Charles, La to be closer to Charles’ family in Church Point. Three years later, their second daughter, Patty, was welcomed into their family.

Eva’s love of reading and her value of education motivated her to pursue a degree in sociology from McNeese State University, graduating in 1981. Once she raised her children, she began a second career by volunteering for ETC, a local social services organization and eventually working for Harbour House, an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth.

Eva was a member of the Lake Charles Garden Club. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. She enjoyed singing with the church choir and being part of the Community Center where she attended water aerobics class weekly. Eva loved celebrating parades locally in Southwest Louisiana. However, her favorite festival was Charro Days, a Christmas Parade in Brownsville, TX.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Rosa Cortez and her husband, Frank Cortez; sisters-in-law, Soyla Gonzalez and Hazel Beaugh Benoit and brother-in-law Wilton Benoit.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years, Charles; daughters, Dr. Yvette Beaugh Garner and husband, Scott; Patricia “Patty” Beaugh Fredericks and husband, Dr. Leroy Fredericks, MD., both of Lake Charles, La; grandchildren, Will and Andrew Garner, Caroline and Anna Katherine Fredericks; brother, Mike Gonzalez (Soyla); sisters, Toby (Celso) Oliveira, Ana (Oscar) Burnias, Caro Torres, Hopey (Jaimie) Torres, along with, many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 4, 2021, at University Baptist Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home from 10:00 am until 12:45 pm with a Rosary service beginning at 12:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 pm at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Harbour House.