Julia Meche Obituary

A Mass of Christian Burial for Julia “June” Meche, age 92, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, LA. Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, LA. Reverend Fr. Matthew Higginbotham will celebrate the Mass accompanied by Reverend Fr. Joseph Padinjarepeedika and Reverend Fr. James Nguyen. The readings will be done by Shelbie Enriquez and Julia Meche. The gift bearers will be Brandt Meche and Lisa Meche. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A Rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. 

Julia Meche, a resident of Melville, Louisiana, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on September 9, 2024, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana. She was born on January 25, 1932, in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.

Julia was known for her vibrant personality and deep love for her family. She enjoyed speaking French, traveling and had a passion for cooking for her loved ones, often delighting them with her culinary creations infused with her Cajun heritage. She was a protector of animals and if you were lucky enough to know her you had a true friend. Julia nurtured her children with care and devotion that extended to her roles as a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her legacy of love will be felt for generations.

In addition to her family life, Julia had a rich array of interests. She took great pleasure in sewing and crocheting, filling her home with beautiful handmade items. She loved being outdoors tending to her garden.

Her faith was an integral part of her life. She was a devoted Catholic and actively participated in her church parish. Julia was a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary Society and the Ladies Altar Society at St. John Catholic Church in Melville. Her spirit of service was further shown in her work as a religion teacher and First Communion Coordinator. She regularly prepared meals for local priests and baked cakes for raffles and fundraisers. Julia’s commitment to her community extended beyond her church activities, as she also sang with the Opelousas Community Choir.

Julia is survived by her sons, Dwain G. Meche and wife, Joyce Sanders Meche of Covington; and Brandt J. Meche and wife, Lisa Disedare Meche of Baton Rouge; her daughters, Lewana Meche Goudeau and husband, Felix of Lafayette; Janis Meche Miller of Opelousas; and Debra Meche Soileau and husband, Terry of Houston, Texas; her brother, Paul Johnson; and her sister, Dorothy Guillot. Julia's family continues with her 11 grandchildren: Jude Meche, Christopher Meche, Danielle Meche, Jonathan Sanders, Corey Meche, Julia Meche, Brigette Goudeau, Talia Miller, Renee' Belle, Shelbie Enriquez, and Heather Cormier. Furthermore, she is survived by her 9 great-grandchildren: Gabriel Meche, Darren Meche, Kylen Sanders, Kera Sanders, Kaleb Sanders, Kalan Sanders, Evangeline Sanders, Axel Enriquez, and Zaida Webster; along with one great-great-grandchild, Audrey Sanders.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Withness J. Meche; as well as her parents, Sidney J. Johnson and Ollie Dupuy Gaspard. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Pete Johnson, Floyd Johnson, and Sidney Johnson, Jr.; her sisters, Mable Ortego and Carrie Johnson; her sister, Barbara Johnson McElwee; and her grandparents, Ulysses A. Dupuy and Eola Gaspard.

The pallbearers will be Jonathan Sanders, Jude Meche, Chris Meche, Corey Meche, Artemio Enriquez, and Ty Pate. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. 

Julia Meche's indomitable spirit, her commitment to her family, and her loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the values of love, service, and faith that she cherished.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. “JOHN 3:16

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. 

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.