Patricia Jean Brownlee Bushnell

Our beloved, Patricia Jean Brownlee Bushnell, known by all as Patty, gained the kingdom of heaven on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after a life filled with love and faith.

Born on March 12, 1949, in Hutchinson, KS, Patty was the daughter of Beulah Alice Dawson and Ralph Childs Brownlee. She had a sweet nature and the heart of a lion. Those who knew her only as an adult wouldn’t realize she overcame the polio she contracted in infancy. Resolute and strong-willed, she met life’s challenges with a never-give-up perseverance.

Patty was married for 55 years, until her death, to Ronnie Mils Bushnell. Patty and Ronnie started married life in New Iberia and then embarked on adventure. They drove to Alaska and explored the country from the west coast to the east coast. For the next decade, they made their home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where they became parents of one son, the treasure of her heart. They returned to New Iberia for the final 40 years of their marriage.

Love for other people was one of Patty’s defining traits. On parting she would give family and friends a quiet hug and a soft, “I love you.” She had a strong faith in God and was a fervent prayer warrior. Sewing and crafting, plants, and pet cats were her hobbies, as was a love of music.

Patty’s love for others flowed through her professional life. After earning her Bachelor of Education degree in Home Economics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), she taught at New Iberia Senior High. She then certified in Special Education and completed her teaching career at Paul Breaux in Lafayette, and Center Street Elementary in New Iberia. She left teaching to work as a caregiver for the elderly until her retirement. Patty cherished each person in her care.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son John Matthew Bushnell and wife, Shaina Watson Bushnell of Houston, TX; one grandson, Lucian G. Morningstar; one sister Anne B. Blanchet (Ben) of Meaux; and four brothers, The Rev. Richard Brownlee (Barbara) of Toledo, OH; Dale R. Brownlee (Carolyn, deceased) of Longview, TX; William Brownlee (Cheri) of Opelousas; Steven Brownlee (Pam) of Mandeville; a sister-in-law, Joanne Brownlee (Tom) of Grand Rapids, MI, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by two sisters, Marilyn B. Waltrip and her husband James W. Waltrip III; Judith B. Webb; and one brother, Thomas Brownlee.

The family extends gratitude for the care given by Dr. Joseph Briere and by Patty’s faithful friends, Linda Lord and Joni Chauvin.

Pall bearers will be Michael Webb, Bob Blanchet, Gillian Brownlee, Matt Curtis, Kurt Chopin, and Chris Harmason.

A service remembering the life of Patricia Jean Brownlee Bushnell will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:00 pm, at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. Visitation will take place from 2:30 pm until the time of the service. The Reverend Paul Fontenot will officiate. Interment at Rosehill Cemetery will follow the service.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337.365.3331)