Laura Bourque, 90, of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Calderwood Cottage M in Beaumont.
Services will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Funeral Services at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, Reverend D. Stephen McCrate, officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.
Laura was born on April 30, 1933, in Morgan City, Louisiana, to Raymond J. Toups and Laura V. Toups. When Laura was two years old, the family relocated to Port Arthur, Texas. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, until she moved to Beaumont in 2014 and became a member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Laura attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1951. Deciding to become a career woman, Laura enrolled in Port Arthur College and upon her completion of studies, went to work at the Boy Scout’s office located in the Bluestein Building in downtown Port Arthur. It was during this time that Laura met the love of her life, Billy (Burke) Bourque, and the two were married on November 30, 1956, and were inseparable thereafter. Laura will be remembered as a sweet, caring women who loved her family and friends. She loved traveling and visiting family and friends. New Orleans was always a favorite destination, or anywhere she and Billy went together. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed having the whole family over for Sunday dinner, special occasions, or just to fry chicken, which in itself was a special occasion. Everyone was welcome and she never let anyone leave her house hungry. She had a great, slightly twisted, sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was definitely not the person to sit next to on formal occasions. She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed embroidering, needle point, crocheting, and making crafts. She had a good eye for decorating and floral arranging. She loved live plants, and some of the most beautiful African Violets for many years. She also enjoyed outdoor plants and had a beautiful rose garden.
Laura was predeceased by her loving husband of forty-one years, William J. (Billy) Bourque, her parents, infant sister Tehresa Toups, brother Raymond J. Toups Jr. and wife Audrey Landry Toups, great-niece, Ashley Arrington Gantt, and her beloved cat, Prissy.
She is survived by her children, son William J. (Jim) Bourgue Jr. of Beaumont; Janice Pelissier Green and husband Raymond of Groves; grandchildren Hunter Beckcom and wife Amanda, Michael Bourque, and Jonathan Pelissier; great-grandchildren, Harper Rose Beckcom, and twins Hannah Lily Beckcom and Gavin Reed Beckcom.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Calder Woods and Harbor Hospice that cared for Laura during the last months.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Beaumont Human Society or a pet rescue of your choice.