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DECEMBER 28, 1933 – AUGUST 24, 2020

FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Barbara Ann Bourgeois Ackerman was born in Norco, Louisiana on Thursday, December 28, 1933.  She died at her home in Norco on Monday, August 24, 2020.

   Barbara is survived by her children Ched A. Ackerman (Danielle) of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Terry A. Smith (Alfred) of Marietta, Georgia, Glen H. Ackerman (Ernesto Santalla) of Washington, District of Columbia, Kim M. Ackerman of Montz, Louisiana, Dean E. Ackerman of Port Allen, Louisiana, Gene H. Ackerman, Jr. of Norco, Louisiana, Traci A. Fletcher (Jack) of Norco, Louisiana and Steve J. Ackerman of Norco, Louisiana.

   Barbara is survived by her grandchildren Ched A. Ackerman, Jr. (Jessica) of Westwego, Shannon M. Smith of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Mary M. Strode (Jarrett) of LaPlace, Louisiana, Bryant T. Fletcher, of Norco, Louisiana, Dale J. Ackerman of Montz, Louisiana, Alysha A. Ackerman of Montz, Louisiana, and Jackson B. Fletcher of Norco, Louisiana.

  Barbara is survived her great grandchild Laikyn R. Ackerman of Westwego, Louisianae

   Barbara loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She was the best!

   Barbara’s son, Steve has Down Syndrome.  She taught Steve to read, write, catechism, mathematics, and social skills.  Under her tutelage, Steve graduated from Destrehan High School.  Steve has been working at Norco Fresh Market (formerly known as Greaud’s Fine Foods) for 30 years.

   In addition to raising and educating her own children, Barbara raised and educated hundreds more at her in-home day care center.

   Barbara is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews including Beverly D. Turner (Winton) of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, Donald R. Burns (Barbara) of Pacifica, California, Jo-Ann D. Miller (Paul) of Denham Springs, Louisiana, Phyllis M. Boudreaux (Alfred) of Livingston, Louisiana, Linda M. Donaldson (Bobby) of Norco, Louisiana, Deborah B. Pitre (Cleve Jerry) of Norco, Louisiana, Diane S. Triche of Lafayette Louisiana, Lillian S. Guitreau (Richard) of Prairieville, Louisiana,  Gayle B. Alexopoulos (Nicholas) of Everett, Massachusetts, Ronald A. Marroy of Norco, Louisiana, Robin B. Hedrick (Jacob) of St. Rose, Louisiana,  Janet S. Lorena (Tony) of Slaughter, Louisiana, Joseph D. Samson, Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Anita B. Jones (Kenneth) of Hemet, California and Clifford P. Bourgeois, Jr.(Beth) of Des Allemands, Louisiana.

   Barbara was predeceased in death by her parents Marie Louise Hernandez Bourgeois and Arthur J. Bourgeois, Sr. her husband Gene H. Ackerman, Sr., son Dale J. Ackerman, siblings Bertha B. Daigle, Inez B. Burns, Murphy J. Bourgeois, Clearance P. Bourgeois,  Velma B. Samson, Lena B. Marroy, Clifford P. Bourgeois, Arthur H. Bourgeois,  Rose Marie Bourgeois, and Carl G. Bourgeois.

   Barbara was a devout Catholic.  She had an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ her Lord.  Barbara was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and a supporter of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School in Norco, Louisiana.

   Barbara was entombed at the Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Cemetery, also known as “The Little Red Church” in Destrehan, Louisiana on Saturday, August 29, 2020.

   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Down Syndrome Society, which is the leading human rights organization for individuals with Down Syndrome.  Barbara believed in human rights for all individuals.  For additional information regarding the National Down Syndrome Society visit www.ndss.org.