Olite Broussard Bourque

Olite Bourque, fondly known as Granny, passed to eternal life on December 22, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Howard, son-in law Bob O’Leary, and grandson Bryan Bourque.  Granny leaves behind family memories to be cherished by her  four children and spouses; Kathy O’Leary, Mike and Karen Bourque, Sandy and Mark Dolce and Ricky and Jolean Bourque, eight grandchildren;  Jason, TJ, Charles, John, David, Laura, Brianne and Jobeth and  ten great-grandchildren; Connor, Colin, Annie, Hannah, James, Alex, Isla, Edie, Justin, and Zoe.

Olite was born to Elmire Decou and Ernest Broussard in Maurice, Louisiana on March 14, 1922. After graduating high school she worked at the Louisiana Rice Mill in Abbeville.  There she met Howard, while he was flushing hydrants for the fire department.  They married in September 1947.  She dedicated herself to being a full time stay at home mom raising her four children.  She also provided daily care for her neighbor’s two daughters, Sabrina and Nicole Judice, who became part of her Granny family.  As the family grew, she enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As her family obligations changed, she enjoyed helping and working with others in the community.  She was a fifteen year volunteer at the Mid-Jefferson County Hospital and the Medical Center of Southeast Texas bringing comfort to the patients and their families.  Olite and Howard enjoyed numerous activities with friends in the Les Acadiens du Texas in their endeavors to keep the Acadian Culture alive.  These activities included the establishment and care of the La Maison Beausolei at the Port Neches Park; singing in the French choir; travels to Nova Scotia, Canada, and France to learn of their heritage; and hosting visitors from France.

Her life will be celebrated on January 6, 2022, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches. Rosary will be held at 10 AM, followed by viewing from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, and Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  In honor of Olite’s love of her faith, family and helping others, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX77703 (http://www.catholiccharitiesbmt.org) in lieu of flowers.