Margaret "Myra" Gautreau

Our beautiful mother entered the gates of heaven on October 21, 2024, at the age of 85 surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Brittany and a resident of Gonzales. She was a 1958 graduate of Gonzales High School where she met the love of her life, her beloved husband of 65 years, Burris "Tunny" Gautreau, Jr. After falling in love in high school, they remained totally devoted to each other for the following 70 years.

 She was the proud and loving mother of Michael "Chan" Gautreau (Susan), Tira LeBlanc, Dami Minvielle (Kirk), and Rhett Gautreau (Chelette). Also survived by 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Patty) LeBlanc, Jen Fox, Dane LeBlanc, Chance LeBlanc, Kalen (Lindsey) Minvielle, Brennan (Kaitlyn) Minvielle, Micah (Sydnee) Gautreau, Dillon Gautreau, Hannah Gautreau, Grant Gautreau, 10 great-grandchildren, Lance (Daniela) LeBlanc, Sophie LeBlanc, Addison, Ellie & Mason Minvielle, Noah & Ruth Minvielle, Mattie & Baker Gautreau, Zia Fox, and by her loving siblings, Joann Marchand, John (Sherry) Hodgeson, Roger (Judy) Hodgeson, former sister-in-law Lou King, her sister-in-law LeeAnn (Harold) Judice, brother-in-law Maurice "Poodle" (Sherrie) Gautreau, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her parents, John Milton "Joe" Hodgeson and Camelia Elizabeth 'Liz' Sevario Hodgeson, and infant son, Gerald Paul Gautreau.

Mom was an avid gardener and was known for her gorgeous yard throughout the 59 years in Park Vista Subdivision, which she called her corner of paradise on East Sybil Street. She received the Gonzales Garden Club Yard of the Month twice, and there was absolutely no plant that did not thrive under her love and care. She was a breast cancer survivor for over 47 years and always gave encouragement to those diagnosed after her. After a childhood of poverty, she became the most generous person to anyone in need. She was known after any compliment to automatically gift the item to the person. Her motto was always "It’s much better to give than to receive” and she truly meant it throughout her life. She always had the greatest compassion for those less fortunate in life.

Mom's greatest accomplishment in her life was always her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she was adored by all of them as well. She was known for her sleepovers when all the grandchildren would spend the night. The menu was limitless, and the sky was the limit. The greatest memories were made during these times. It was an event that was looked forward to by all and the stories of these nights continue to be discussed through the years. Mom and Dad regularly attended the local senior citizen dances until her health declined. They met many friends at these social events and could often be seen gliding across the dance floor while lovingly looking into each other’s eyes. They had a love like no other and they knew it and appreciated it.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Theresa of Avila, 212 East New River St., Gonzales, LA, on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial St. Theresa of Avila Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was instrumental in saving the life of her great-granddaughter, Sophie.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and her loving caregivers, Odessa, Alima, Sade, Samira and Lynn who loved our family as their own and showed merciful care and compassion not only to our mother but our father in Mom’s final days. Thanks to Barbara Melancon who helped our family coordinate the caregivers in our time of need.