Susan Crawford Patout

New Iberia – Susan Patout, born Susan Anne Crawford in New Castle, Indiana, on August 7, 1945, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at the age of 79. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in the St. Nicholas Cemetery, in Patoutville. Rev. William Blanda will be the Celebrant. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Pellerin Funeral Home, in New Iberia. The Louisiana Nurse’s Honor Guard will have a special tribute ceremony at 5:30 pm, on Wednesday. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm. The visitation will continue Thursday, from 8:00 am until 10:30 am. 

Susan was the second of four children born to Lloyd and Josephine Crawford. She graduated from Indiana University, with a Bachelor of Science degree, in nursing and was employed as a Pediatric Registered Nurse, at IU Medical, in Indianapolis. At the age of 23, she made the bold and brave decision to follow her heart and volunteer as a medical missionary, in Haiti. She spent over a year in Port-au-Prince, Hati, serving as the sole health care provider, surrogate mother, friend, sister, and counselor, to the countless children that passed through the doors of Grace Children’s Hospital, a pediatric tuberculosis facility. During the later part of her mission, she met the love of her life, William “Billy” S. Patout, III. They were married in Henry County, Indiana on January 21, 1971, and settled in South Louisiana. Over the next 46 years, they raised four children and enjoyed a wonderful and adventurous marriage until his passing in 2017. Susan’s greatest role and the one that she so beautifully achieved, was that of a mother, not only to her children, but to all who knew her. She was often described by everyone as the mother they aspired to be. 

Susan was known for her courage, her selflessness and her compassion. She was a true caretaker with a servant’s heart, who loved everyone and was beloved by everyone. Her door and heart were always open to her children, those she loved as her children, her grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, and family. She was witty and humorous, with an infectious laugh. Susan not only found joy in everything and everyone but spread joy and laughter to everyone around her. Throughout her entire life, she exhibited the patience of a saint, which was never more evident than when dealing with her rowdy and rambunctious children and the menagerie of animals her children “rescued” and dragged home for her to administer lifesaving medical care on the dining room table. She once drove 1000 miles with four children, two goats, three kittens, and six ducklings loose in her suburban, while smiling and singing the entire way. As adults, her children wholeheartedly apologize for any grief their mischievousness caused their sweet mother, as she truly was an angel on earth. 

Survivors include her children, Catherine Pendergast, Hester Bourdier (Paul), Anne Marie Bradford (John), and Simeon Patout (Nina), siblings, Jane Burton (Bruce), Julie Haney, and Jock Crawford; grandchildren, James Pendergast, Judy Pendergast, Sammy Pendergast, Missy Bourdier, Crawford Bourdier, George Bourdier, Susie Bourdier, Mary Beth Bradford, John William Bradford, Jackson Patout, and Brooklyn Patout; special nieces, Erin Grim (Brian) and Robin Wehmer (Andy); cousin, Louise Fuqua; and Gretchen Field, who she loved like a daughter. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, William “Billy” Schwing Patout, III; and her parents, Lloyd and Josephine VanMatre Crawford.

 Pallbearers include Paul Bourdier, Crawford Bourdier, George Bourdier, James Pendergast, Sammy Pendergast, Jackson Patout, John Henry Bradford, and John William Bradford. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Children’s Hospital, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Building A, Suite 1, Atlanta, George 30308. 

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