Gwendolyn Marie Champagne, 82, of Bridge City, Texas passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas. Gwen was born on September 12, 1940 in Crowley, Louisiana to the late Benny Tanner and Eunice LeBlanc Tanner Ward.
Gwen graduated in 1959 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, and she was a proud member of the Red Hussar Drum and Bugle Core. Gwen worked for Gulf States where she was able to retire early and pursue her career in real-estate. The highlight of her real-estate venture was being able to sell homes to the “Stars” in California. Gwen was a parishioner at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her friends and her school mates. Gwen had a heart of gold and truly lived a happy life. She would be the first to put a smile on someone’s face or lend a helping hand to someone in need. She revolved her life around her family. Gwen was her Husband’s “Sweetie Pie”. She was a loving mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, and friend whose kind personality and loving heart will be missed by all who knew her.
Those left behind to cherish Gwen’s memory are her loving husband of 42 years, Larry Champagne; her children, Greg Nolen and his wife, Susan, Mark Nolen, Julie Wagstaff and her husband, Gene, Susan Champagne, Wendy Terrell and her husband, Joseph, David Champagne; her grandchildren, Devyn Schexnider, Christina Bevil, Edward Tuya, Christopher Tuya, Brandon Fuqua, Taylor Terrell, Caylee Champagne, Breanna Champagne, Braelynn Champagne; great grandchildren, Brantley Fuqua, Brenham Fuqua, Joshua Tuya; and her brother, Tim Tanner and his wife, Rebecca.
Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, Benny and Eunice Tanner Ward, and her stepfather, Frank Ward.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Gwen’s life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation and will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Melancon’s.