Mercedes Vidrine

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Eunice A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mercedes LeDoux Vidrine, age 89, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery with Father Gil Dutel Celebrant.

Mercedes died on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at Oaklane Wellness Rehabilitation Center in Eunice, La.

She was born in Sweetlake, LA on February 22, 1920 and moved to Eunice as a young child. She graduated from Eunice High in 1938 and married Rivers Vidrine on June 23, 1946. She started writing for newspapers when she was 15 years old. In 1962 she started writing her column, Eunice Demi Tasse for the Opelousas Daily World and continued until February 2004 when she became a resident of Oaklane. She also wrote for the New Era, the Eunice News predecessor. In l964 she published her first Cajun cookbook and ended up with 5 cookbooks in all.

She enjoyed bowling on a league in Lafayette with her husband and friends from Eunice. She loved her ladies pokeno group and sitting out on her swing watching the Purple Martins fly around when she wasnt writing or cooking. She and her husband were also avid dancers and especially liked the big band dance scene. Mercedes had a zest for life and those around her were influenced by her loving and gentle ways.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alphan Ella LeDoux, brothers Butsy and Boo LeDoux, sisters Elta Frey, Edna Beaugh and Rosalie Chachere, her husband of 50 years, Rivers Pierre, and her oldest son, Peter.

She is survived by her three children: daughter, Roxanne Britt and her husband Tom of Flagstaff, AZ her sons, Gregory Vidrine and Kyle Vidrine and his wife, Melany, all of Eunice 5 grandchildren Amy Britt, Melanie Kelly, Patrick Vidrine, Amelia Vidrine and Margaret Rose Vidrine and 5 greatgrandchildren Lucas, Dimitrina, Owen, Peter and Tate.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Edmunds School of Eunice, Believe In Blue capital campaign.

Visiting hours will be observed in the Ardoins Funeral Home of Eunice beginning January 18, 2010 from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm and again on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 8:00 am until time of services. Deacon Gary Gaudin will recite a Rosary Monday evening at 7:00 pm.

Family and friends may view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences online at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com

Ardoins Funeral Home of Eunice is in charge of arrangements.337.457.3371

Mercedes was a product of tough times, i.e. the Great Depression and WWII. People who grew up in this era knew what it was to do without and never spent money they did not have. They were always content with the basics of life. They were also true to America and truly understood the value of citizenship. They actually experienced a situation where their lifestyle was in jeopardy for a lengthy period of time.

She made her home a happy place even when things were not the best.

She was true to her faith and its teachings. Her standards for conduct and behavior were exemplary. She was a model good citizen.

She continued to remain productive and contribute to society even as her health failed. I am certain none of us realized the torment she was going through in the early stages of her deteriorating health when she knew she was not exactly right.

She took good care of her family and her husband. She made certain that all of you were prepared for the future and a treacherous world.

Never did she complain even when dealt a bad hand. She was the epitome of the eternal optimist. She always accepted things and tried to right wrongs.

She loved new experiences and was ready to go at a moments notice.

We were fortunate to have her in our lives and she will be missed.

Visitation

Ardoins Funeral Home
1301 W Laurel Ave.
Eunice, LA  70535
Monday, January 18, 2010
3:00 PM 9:00 PM

Service

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Ardoins Funeral Home Chapel
1301 W. Laurel Ave.
Eunice, LA  70535
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Hwy 190
Eunice, LA  70535