Jackie Sanders

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Jackie Fern Trichel Sanders, age 84 of Eunice, was welcomed by her Lord on Wednesday, February 20th at 3:09 a.m. after a six year struggle with cancer. She was blessed to be at home with her family.

Visitation will be at Ardoins Funeral Home Friday, February 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A rosary will be prayed by Deacon Chuck Ortego at 6:00 p.m. Visiting hours will resume Saturday at 8:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at St. Anthonys Catholic Church at noon, where Father Tom Voorhies will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

She was born in Norphelet, Arkansas, August 5, 1928, to Marion Jack Trichel and Dora Fern Coffee Trichel. The family traveled a great deal due to her fathers oilfield work and she attended nine schools in three states before graduating from Eunice High School in 1945. She received a B.S. in Commerce from LSU in 1949, completed studies at LSUE and Southern University to obtain a teaching certification, then online courses to become a certified librarian.

After early employment as a bookkeeper for Duplechain Lumber Co., secretary at the State Highway Dept. in Baton Rouge, and society reportercolumnist for The Eunice News under the late Matt Vernon, she settled into her lifes passion as a teacher at St. Edmund Catholic School. Instrumental in establishing the Business Dept. in 1954, she taught typing, bookkeeping, and shorthand until 1960. She taught 4th grade from 196377, 7th grade from 197999, then served as librarian from 200107. Most recently, she taught 7th and 8th grade math until her official retirement January 29, 2013, when she received the distinguished St. Edmund Service Award. Earlier in her career, she had the distinction of being named St. Eds Teacher of the year simultaneously for the elementary and high schools. She was also a recipient of the Bishops Medal for her involvement in the church.

Jackie coached girls softball for the city, played tennis with the Eunice Ladies Tennis League well into her 70s, the Lafayette Ladies Tennis League, and also participated in the Senior Olympics in Baton Rouge. She was an avid traveler, visiting 18 countries and at least 40 states as evidenced by her bell collection. She was often found at home surrounded by crochet hooks and colorful balls of yarn, working on those neverending projects. Many have received her carefully crafted oneofakind treasures. Her latest charitable project was crocheting sleeping mats out of plastic shopping bags for the Father Glenn Meaux Haiti Mission.

Lovingly known as Nanny, she is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lloyd Joseph Sanders children: Bobbye Arnold, Jack Anne Sanders, Patrick Tammie Sanders, and Pamela David Lavergne 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 sister, Mike Elaine Carey Brinkman.

She was preceded in death by 1 son, John Homer Buster Sanders her parents 1 sister, Bobbye T. Prather and 1 brother, Archie Colwell of Mineral Wells, TX.

Pallbearers will be Brennan Sanders, Gavin LaFont, Johnny Parker, Jr., Adam Fontenot, Duane Comeaux, and Michael Arnold. Honorary pallbearers are Dylan Reed and Wesley Parker.

Jackie touched the hearts of many people with her bright blue, smiling eyes, generosity, and general love for life. Former students may have vivid memories of flying erasers. The family expresses sincere thanks to the personnel of Dr. David Ware, Ms. Tracie DuBose, LA Oncology Associates, Hospice of Acadiana, and especially to the clergy, coworkers, church parishioners, friends, and neighbors that so enriched her life.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Visitation

Ardoins Funeral Home
1301 W Laurel Ave.
Eunice, LA  70535
Friday, February 22, 2013
9:00 AM 10:00 PM

Service

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

St. Anthony Catholic Church
310 W. Vine Street
Eunice, LA  70535
Saturday, February 23, 2013
12 NOON

ROSARY

Ardoins Funeral Home Chapel
1301 W Laurel Ave
Eunice, LA  70535
Friday, February 22, 2013
6:00 PM

Cemetery

Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Hwy 190
Eunice, LA  70535