Anite Marie Juneau, 86, of Nederland, Texas passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020. Anite was born April 16, 1934 in Kaplan, Louisiana to the late Tartule and Clara Bourque. Anite was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.
Anite enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up in the rice fields near Kaplan, La. She spent her days enjoying her siblings, riding her horse, playing with her dog, and helping her mom and dad. As a young woman, Anite met her true love, Earl Juneau, and they soon married and settled in Nederland, TX. Anite worked as a nurse’s aide in the early years, but left to pursue her real passion - her family. Earl and Anite raised five children and helped raise many more along the way. She had a special and unique relationship with each of her children, and each one of them was made to feel they were her favorite. And they were! Her children’s school and neighborhood friends loved coming to the Juneau home, too, and were always welcomed with open arms. But, what they loved the most was when they were invited to stay for a meal. You never knew how many feet would be under the table at suppertime, but somehow Anite always made the food stretch and everyone left the table full and happy. Anite was a bit of a legend when it came to her cooking. Almost anyone you ask has a story about a particular meal or the wonderful aroma coming from the Juneau house when she was in the kitchen.
She enjoyed bowling and was part of a league for many years. She and Earl were active members of a metal detecting club and enjoyed taking their camper on the road to enjoy the outdoors. Anite also loved gardening, and definitely had a green thumb. She could take any cutting, stick it in ground, and it would take root and flourish. Anite was a generous person, with her time and with her possessions. She gave and helped everywhere she saw a need, never looking for or wanting recognition. She was always ready to help family and friends, but also complete strangers and causes she saw as important.
Anite loved Jesus and taught all of her children about Him from the time they were born. It is a testament to her that her children and grandchildren love and serve the Lord today. She would often say, “Do it as if you are doing it for Jesus.” Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and gentleness of spirit.
Anite was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl Juneau; daughter, Brenda Juneau Melancon; brother, Ewel Bourque and sister, Delta Bourque Hebert.
Those left behind to cherish her memories are her children, Mike Juneau of Nederland, TX; Don Juneau and his wife, Lisa of Orange, TX; Sharon Williams and her husband, Mike of Orange, TX; Chris Juneau and his wife, Paula of Nederland, TX; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and 1 expecting great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Anite Marie Juneau may be made to Kingdom Zoo Children’s Ministry; 2310 Newton St., Orange, Texas 77630.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Melancon’s Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:30
p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.