Peggy Ann Gossen

Peggy Ann Gossen Rayne - Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at a 2:00 pm Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne for Peggy Ann Gossen, 91, who died Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Calcutta House at Hospice of Acadiana in Lafayette, LA. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2, Mausoleum in Rayne, LA. Fr. Nick Ware, her grandson, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Peggy, affectionately known as “Cookie”, was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by kindness, hospitality, and a joyful spirit that made others feel at home. Graduating high school a year early, she entered the workforce with determination. She began her career in Baton Rouge, later serving as a medical office manager, and ultimately became a dedicated and highly respected legal secretary for 45 years. She was known for her warmth, professionalism, and the gentle way she treated everyone she encountered. Cookie had a God-given gift for making people feel special. Her beauty, charm, and quick wit were blessings she shared freely, and she embraced life with courage and curiosity. She enjoyed dancing, clogging, traveling, reading, and cooking — always willing to try something new and savor the joy it brought. Throughout her life, Cookie formed many friendships, but her cherished group of women known as “The Roses” remained a constant source of love and companionship well into their later years. One of her greatest delights for many years was preparing Sunday lunch for her extended family and friends. These meals were true acts of love, often featuring a dozen side dishes, two main entrées, and a homemade dessert — most famously her homemade ice cream. Her home was a gathering place, and her table was a reflection of her generous heart. Her trademark question, “Need some help?”, revealed the servant’s spirit she carried. Even as dementia began to take its toll ten years ago, Cookie’s light never dimmed. She remained positive, fun, and engaging — a testament to the joy within her that illness could not take away. In her later years, she found comfort in simple routines: enjoying homecooked meals with her sons, going to work every day and entertaining clients, getting her hair styled on Saturdays, going out to lunch, attending Mass, and ending the day at Chef Roy’s, where she was surrounded by dear friends and the special attention they lovingly offered her. Cookie lived a life full of grace, laughter, and love. Those who knew her were blessed by her presence. We trust that she is now held in God’s gentle embrace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the eternal peace she so richly deserves. Survivors include her sons, Edward "Eddie" Ware and spouse Jan, and George Bradford "Brad" Ware, Jr. and companion Debra Hebert; her grandchildren, Adam Ware and spouse Michelle, Ellen and spouse Wesley Simon, Fr. Nick Ware, Joseph Ware, Tori Ware and fiancé Brent Alleman, Phillip Ware, and Thomas Ware and spouse Hailey; her great grandchildren, Jackson Matheny and Colt Ware, Hayden, Ellie, Jack, Benny, Millie, and Annie Simon, Grayci and Analie Dupuis, and Scarlett Ware. Peggy is also survived by her brother, Frederick Gossen Sr. and spouse Annette Larriviere, her sister-in-law, Barbara Gossen, Cassie Miller, fiancé of the late George Bradford “Brad” Ware III, and her most cherished friend, boss, and caregiver Karl Bengtson. She was preceded in death by her grandson, George Bradford "Brad" III, her brother, Conrad Gossen, her sister, Lois Bennett, her parents, Henry J. and Rita Hebert Gossen She was preceded in death by her grandson, George Bradford "Brad" III, her brother, Conrad Gossen, her sister, Lois Bennett, her parents, Henry J. and Rita Hebert Gossen, and the father of her sons, George Bradford "Bumpy" Ware I. Bearing the Offertory gifts will be her granddaughters, Tori Ware and Ellen Simon. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Joseph Ware, Adam Ware and Phillip Ware, her nephew, Thomas Gossen, and her sons, Eddie and Brad Ware. A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 11:00 am in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, LA. The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, LA on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Peggy Gossen’s name to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Rayne, LA and Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, 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.

Peggy Ann Gossen

March 1, 1935 - May 14, 2026