Renee Simas

Cankton - A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, in Cankton, for Rene Jardin Simas, 93, who died peacefully at her daughters home on Monday, May 21, 2012, at 8:50 P.M. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012, with a rosary being recited at 7 pm that evening. Rev. Henry Broussard, Pastor of St. John Berchmans, will officiate at the Mass. Scriptures will be read by Kristina Doguet and Sonya Massoni. Gift bearers will be Adrien Massoni and Nicholas Doguet. Renee was born in Annebault (a small town in) Normandy France on November 15, 1918. She resided in the resort towns of Deauville and Honfleur located in Normandy. Renee was a first hand witness of World War II in Normandy and helped with the French Resistance effort during the war. The war effort by France and the U.S. made such an impression on Renee, she made a generous donation to the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum in Caen, France. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the museums U.S. committee. Renee moved to the U.S. in 1963 with her husband, Paul and family. Paul, a professional chef, had a three-year work contract. Afterwards they stayed in Cajun Country. She worked for the St. Martin School system at Breaux Bridge high school. After her husband passed away and her retirement Renee would spend her summers in Normandy France. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Simas of Brittany France, her Mother Colombe Josephine Valentine Sevestre Jardin, father Eugene Auguste Roger Jardin, sister Paulette Bernard, all of France, a son-in -law, SFC Marion A. (Tony) Massoni USA Retired of Leesville. Survived by her daughters Dominique Simas Massoni of Leesville, and Joelle Simas Doguet and husband, Darrel, of Cankton; and four grandchildren, Sonya and Adrien Massoni of Leesville, Kristina Doguet of Lafayette, and Nicholas Doguet of Cankton. The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their kindness, generosity and professionalism. Heartfelt appreciation goes to Crystal her RN and Gwen (CNA). Thanks also to nurse Margaret. They made our burden much lighter. Pellerin Funeral Home, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337.332.2199), is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and , go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com