L’Observateur / May 6, 1998

The grounds of the Garyville Timbermill Museum provided the perfect setting as offspring of the five “Navarro sisters” of Garyville honored their mothers at an Easter Sunday reunion.

These Italian-American sisters are well known in the area because of their extended families and because of their musical expertise, which has kept them singing in the local church choir and for other events for over 50 years. They are Marie Navarro Guidry, widow of Wilkin Guidry, Sr.; VitaNavarro Monica, widow of Frank Monica Sr.; Clara Navarro Oubre, widow ofHubert Oubre; Catherine Navarro Oubre, wife of Richard Oubre Sr.; andFrances Navarro Falgoust, widow of Leroy “Pete” Falgoust.

All five sisters reside in and raised their families in Garyville. Theyproduced 28 children. About 200 people, including their children,grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gathered at this reunion. Making itan especially memorable day, the group included former Garyville Navarro residents and close first cousins of the five Navarro sisters, Lily McDaniel, Gloria Ballestas, Anna Mae Navarro, Fano Navarro and Rose Rester, all of New Orleans.

Each family brought food and drinks. There were games for the children andvolleyball for all, and much time to get to know each other or renew acquaintances and friendships.

Coleman Oubre and Phyllis Monica Himel were recognized as the oldest male and female grandchildren in the group, while Armant and Mary Frances Falgoust were the youngest. Infant Cameron Roussel, great-grandson ofCatherine Oubre, was the youngest family member in attendance.

To have this reunion was a heart’s desire of Clara Oubre, third of the Navarro sisters and mother of 10 children. Her niece and nephew, MariaStein and Carl Monica, undertook the task of pulling it all together for a very memorable event.

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