Mary "Helen" Zaunbrecher

Mary “Helen” Zaunbrecher, 86, of Iowa passed away at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in a local care facility.

Mrs. Zaunbrecher was born on September 8, 1931 in Mamou, was raised in Eunice and lived in Iowa for the past 52 years. She was a past member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and was currently a parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church where she belonged to the Altar Society and participated in the Rosary Group of Holmwood for over 30 years.

She enjoyed many aspects of life including dancing and fishing, but most of all she was known for her natural talent for preparing delicious meals shared with many friends and family.  Not only was she a loving mother to her children, but she and her husband opened their home where people of all ages were welcomed. Mrs. Zaunbrecher also enjoyed the laughter shared during her Friday night Bourr'e (Boo-Ray) games. 

Those left to cherish her memory are four children, Paula Rosteet (Charles) of Iowa, William “Billy” Zaunbrecher (Jessica) of Deridder, Valerie Granger (Mark) of Iowa, and Martin Zaunbrecher (Elizabeth) of Holmwood; two siblings, Grace Burton of Texas and Alan “Joe” Martel (Darla) of Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren, Allison Toups (Aaron), Katie Rosteet, Anna Roberts (Richard), Blayke Thomas (Calvin), Jade-Renee, Copeland, and Cullen Zaunbrecher, Eric Granger (Courtnee), Kristi Granger, Emily Soileau (Ben), and Alex, Wyatt, and Zachary Zaunbrecher; and thirteen great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind the loving family of her husband who was thought of as her own.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Louis Zaunbrecher, a son, Brian Louis Zaunbrecher, parents, Oline and Edward Martel, Sr.; and three siblings, Edward Martel, Jr., Eward Martel, and Romalia Fontenot.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.  The Rev. John Payne will officiate.  Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin on Friday from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will resume on Saturday from 8:00 AM until leaving for the church at 9:00 AM. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Brighton Bridge Hospice, especially, Melissa, Blake, Joyce, and Taylor and to the entire staff of Resthaven Nursing Home for their dedicated and loving care given to Mrs. Zaunbrecher during her time of need.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.