Dorothy Prejean Stelly DeRouen

Dorothy Prejean Stelly DeRouen Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at a Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire, LA for Dorothy Prejean Stelly DeRouen, 85, who died Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Calcutta House in Lafayette, LA. Interment will be in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery Mausoleum in Mire, LA. Msgr. Russell J. Harrington, retired Pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services with Fr. Edward Duhon and Fr. Aaron Melancon as Concelebrants. Lectors will be her granddaughters, Lauren B. Dore' and Jamie G. McLaughlin and Offertory Gift Bearers will be Claire Hammonds, Elliot Dore', Camille Dore' and Avery Gary. Dorothy was born on December 26, 1938 to Rene' and Clara Winnie Lyons Prejean in Bosco, LA. She attended L. Leo Judice Elementary School and graduated from Scott High School Class of 1956. She served as Class Treasurer for 68 years. She always looked forward to planning and attending her class reunions. Dorothy was a graduate of the T.H. Harris Technical College in Opelousas, LA. After graduating she returned to work with Dr. Denbo H. Montgomery, Sr., Dr. T.A. Graves, Dr. Paul Zehnder, Dr. Alldredge and Dr. Denbo H. Montgomery, Jr., all who specialize in ENT/Otolaryngologist. She was a nurse and allergy nurse for 41 years. Dorothy was also a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court #2214. She served as Secretary and Regent for 14 years. She was honored with the City of Scott Mayor's Award in October 2018. LA Maison de Begnaud Tourist Center in Scott will present the 1st Annual Memorial "Dorothy S. DeRouen Spirit of Community Award" in her honor. She was a volunteer at LA Maison de Begnaud House in Scott and was greatly interested in her culture and very proud of her Cajun French Language. She volunteered her time for 10 years teaching the Cajun French Language to people interested in keeping their language and heritage alive. She loved to speak French and recite the rosary in French. She served as a member of the Senior Church Choir in Mire from 1978 until 2022 and was a Prayer Warrior for people who needed special intentions. She was a charter member of Krewe of Atlantis Mardi Gras in Scott, LA and served as Secretary, President, Vice President and Board Member. She was also a member of the Jumelage Committee and served as President, Vice President and on several committees. She was also a Mire Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary member. Dorothy loved nature, flowers, baking, and visiting with family and friends. A huge beach lover and avid fan of picking seashells with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was blessed to have traveled to Rome, Italy, France, Canada and Yugoslavia "Medjugorge". She is survived by her treasured family of four children, Brian A. Stelly and spouse Janice, Dianne S. Besse and spouse Peter, Alane S. Gary and spouse Blake, and Perry L. Stelly, her six grandchildren, Derek J. Stelly and spouse Lindsey, Claire C. Hammonds, Lauren B. Dore' and spouse Aaron, Jonathan Besse and fiancé' Dani Boudreaux, Jamie G. McLaughlin and spouse Paul, Blaine Gary and spouse Allison. She is also survived by her beloved 15 great grandchildren, Olivia and Noah Stelly, Elliot, Camille, Charlotte, Caroline, Catherine and Cassidy Dore', Mia Besse, Avery, Fisher, Bryce, Taylor, Jake Gary and Finn McLaughlin, son-in-law Roland Credeur and spouse Susan and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by four stepchildren, Eurella D. Cahanin and spouse, Keith, Bertha "Vickie" D. Besse and spouse Pierre, Howard J. DeRouen, III and spouse Tina, Dee DeRouen and spouse Amy, 18 step grandchildren, 33 step great grandchildren and 5 step great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Joseph DeRouen, Jr., her parents, Rene' and Clara Winnie Lyons Prejean, daughter, Clare "Lynn" Stelly Credeur, grandson-in-law Jeffrey Hammonds, three brothers, James Prejean and spouse Eura, John Ray Prejean and spouse Elvina, David N. Prejean and spouse Verda, sister, Marie Elena Prejean Saucier and spouse J.L., and the father of her 5 children, Marion J. Stelly. Pallbearers will be her three grandsons, Blaine Gary, Derek Stelly, Jonathan Besse, her two stepsons and her nephew, Howard J. DeRouen, III, Dee DeRouen and Johnny Prejean. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews, Tommy Prejean, Jeffrey Prejean, Rene' Prejean, Carl Prejean, Charlie Prejean, Donavon Broussard, David Broussard, Lane Broussard and James Broussard. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 28, 2024 in Gossen Funeral Home and immediately following the rosary, the Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard of Acadiana will pay tribute to her with a Nightingale Ceremony. This service is meant to honor and release her from her nursing vows. The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm and on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Acadiana 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503. Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141. Gossen Funeral Home, Inc.

Dorothy Prejean Stelly DeRouen

December 26, 1938 - June 26, 2024