LAICHE

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 15, 2011

Born Sept. 18, 1939, Owen Francis Laiche, a native of Paulina and dedicated member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at home with his wife at his side.

Owen was an Army veteran and retired employee of LaRoche Chemical. He led a full life, was an avid vegetable gardener and took his greatest joy in spending time with his family. Owen was a wonderful and devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. He will always be our hero as he fought a long battle with leukemia with courage, strength and dignity, never losing his faith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Virginia Gravois Laiche, daughter Pam Bourgeois (Todd), son Wade Laiche (Elena), son Damian Laiche (Nancy), daughter Becky Poché (Perry) and sisters Jane Mizell of Denham Springs, Ida Rae Jowers of Denham Springs, Lorraine Trahan of Gibson, Pat Lasseigne of St. James and Leola St. Pierre of Lutcher.

Owen is also survived by 11 grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as their Pappy, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Owen was preceded in death by parents, Leopold and Amedia Schexnayder Laiche, infant daughter, Monique, and sister, Marjorie Giroir of Gibson.

Visitation was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Paulina on Thursday, Jan. 13, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at the church with Fr. Vincent Dufresne serving as officiant. Burial followed in the St. Joseph Mausoleum.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gerald Miletello and all of his caregivers at the Pennington Regional Medical Center at Baton Rouge General for the wonderful care and attention given to him throughout his 21-year battle with leukemia. Friends and family are invited to send their condolences to www. hcalexanderfh.com.