Claire Richard

Claire St. Germain Richard

Opelousas Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 26, 2010 at the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas for Mrs. L. Felix Richard, the former Mrs. Claire St. Germain, age 97, who died at 8:05a.m. at her daughters home in Lafayette.
The Rev. Floyd Calais will celebrate the services. Musical selections will be provided by Valerie Andrus. Songs will include: Be Not Afraid entrance, Ave Maria during Communion, Let There Be Peace, and Isaiah 49 I will never forget you my people for the exit.
Mrs. Richard was a native of Breaux Bridge, a longtime resident of Opelousas, and a current resident of Lafayette. She received her early education at St. Bernard Convent and Breaux Bridge High School. She earned her B.A. Degree at S. L. I. now U. L. L. majoring in French and English literature with a minor in Biological Sciences and P.E. While an undergrad, she received several awards from the French Consular in New Orleans. She earned a Graduate Degree in Social Work at L. S. U. She also did post graduate studies at Columbia University in New York and McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She taught French and English in St. Martin Parish for a number of years before accepting a position at St. Helens Hall in Portland, Oregon where she taught French in High School and Jr. College until World War II at which time, she accepted an appointment with the Justice Department, F. B. I. division in Washington, D. C. working as a translator deciphering coded messages from French into English.
Mrs. Richard later joined the National American Red Cross as a social worker and director, aiding military families and German prisoners of war. These latter two positions took her to many parts of the country always with interesting and challenging assignments. She traveled extensively both in and out of the country.
While a resident of Opelousas, Mrs. Richard returned to her teaching profession as a French and English instructor.



Because of her interest in the French Language, in January of 1971, she was invited by Mr. James Domengeaux and Governor John McKeithen to serve as an advisor to the Council for the development of French in Louisiana.
Education and music featured prominently in her family. Her father, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, a banker and a large land owner, was instrumental in the development of the St. Martin Parish School System and served as its President until his death. She and her mother were accomplished pianists. Her brothers all played one or more instruments and they entertained friends with their classical renditions.
Mrs. Richard served as Vice President and President of her sorority and President of LeCercle Franais during her junior and senior years in college. She was also a former member and officer of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International chairman of the American Red Cross Volunteers in Opelousas, officer of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Landry 119, member of AARPNRTA Division, and a member of the St. Landry Parish and State Retired Teachers Organizations.
She is survived by one daughter, Virginia C. Richard of Lafayette one son, Gardiner Louis Richard and daughterinlaw, Della Richard, both of Opelousas one grandson, Seth Richard and wife Mackenzie one greatgranddaughter Millie Rose Richard two step grandsons: Kenneth Wheaton and his son, Nick and Navy Lt. Brian Wheaton and his wife Wyndi and their children London, Ava, Addi and Jack, and one sisterinlaw, Ola Mae St. Germain of Galveston, TX. She is also survived by a host of nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Charles St. Germain, prominent southwest Louisiana citizens her husband, Louis Felix Richard, regional supervisor and chief sanitarian with the Louisiana Department of Public Health and four brothers: Dr. E. L. St. Germain of Ft. Lauderdale, FL Donald St. Germain, Clayton St. Germain of Breaux Bridge, and Raymond St. Germain of Galveston, TX.
Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m. on Friday, November 26, 2010 in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas.
The Catholic daughters will have a prayer service at 9:00 a.m. following will be a Rosary service at 9:15 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Acadiana her caretakers: Cindy Quebedeaux, Sue Mouton and Casandra Alexander and special friends of the family: Karen Krielow, Cynthia Lawless, Sandra Brouillette and Mary Coffey.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home.

Visitation

Sibille Funeral Home
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, November 26, 2010
8am 10am

Service

Memorial Service

Sibille Funeral Home Chapel
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, November 26, 2010
10:00 am

Cemetery

Bernard Cemetery
Breaux Bridge, LA  70503