Mildred "Mom Millie" B. Patin

Breaux Bridge - Mildred "Mom Millie" Begnaud Patin, 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home. 

In her 100 years of life, Mildred, affectionately known as, "Mom Millie", overcame a lot. She walked through the times of the Great Flood of 1927, the Great Depression, WWII, as well as many, many advances in technology and transportation. 

She was proud of numerous accomplishments throughout her life, like being the only valedictorian in St. Martin Parish and the last remaining class member of the 1941 Cecilia High School graduating class. She also christened a dry dock that was made to repair battle ships that opened in 1945. Mildred was meticulous about her yard and she cut her grass with a push mower until she was 92 years old. She was currently the oldest resident in the town of Henderson, where she served as an election commissioner for over 35 years. Mom Millie was a devout Catholic and a life-long and founding member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where she worked a fundraiser to build what is the current church. There, she also taught religion for many years and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Mildred was always active in the community; she hosted the 1st Muscular Dystrophy Carnival in Henderson and she worked with the Boy's and Girl's Scouts - organizing and chaperoning field trips. She was a member of the St. Martin Parish Home Demonstration Club and lastly, she was a member of the Grandmother's Bowling League in Lafayette for 13 years. 

Mildred and her husband, Jim, worked for the Frank Pepper's Carnival in the late 1940's to the mid 1950's, in the mid-eastern portion of the United States including the Louisiana Hayride and the original Grand Ole Opry, where they viewed appearances by Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Sr. and Elvis Presley. Although a strong homemaker, she was employed at J.C. Penny as a seamstress for many years. She also went on to be the Head of Housekeeping at the original Holidome Hotel and a Fabric Specialist at the original Walmart in Breaux Bridge. During WWII, she worked at Western Union in Lafayette. In 1990, she served as a Census Enumerator. 

Mildred was known for her green thumb and her immaculate flower beds and lawn. She also found great joy in genealogy, traveling, cooking, baking and sewing. Mildred took pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her son, Warren J. Patin (Margo); daughters, Jackie Wallace (Richard) and Barbara Latiolais (Charles); grandchildren, Tyler Patin, Taylor Patin, Trent Patin and Joey Latiolais; great-grandchildren, Rylan Patin and Rowan Patin; bonus grandchildren, Candace Haynes, Bonnie Duplantis, Erin Turner, Josh Wallace and Meagan Wallace; 13 great-bonus grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that live in the contiguous United States. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, James David Patin; parents, Godfrey Begnaud and Azema Melancon Begnaud; brother, Lawrence Begnaud; sisters, Marie Kritzer and Rena LeBlanc; and nephews, Mervin Begnaud, Ronnie Verdin and Dennis LeBlanc. 

Mom Millie's wishes were to have her body donated to science, a Mass will be said in her honor, at a future date. 

The family wishes to express a sincere thanks to everyone who helped her in her long 100 years. Also, to the staff and management of J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home for their care and compassion. 

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.