Shirley Mire Bourque

Shirley Mire Bourque, 93, of Gonzales, La., passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on September 20, 2016. Visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home on September 21, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitation will resume at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church on September 22, 2016 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by her burial at Hope Haven Cemetery on Highway 30; Gonzales, La. Shirley was born May 16, 1923. She was raised in her beloved Gonzales, La. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, L.P. Bourque, Jr. on January 27, 1942. Together they had five children, 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, 5 great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Shirley was a graduate of Gonzales High School in 1939, also a graduate of Baton Rouge Business College and Baton Rouge Beauty School. Shirley loved dancing with LP; they danced for 58 years, winning many dance contests. Having a great love for sports, (especially proud to be an avid LSU and Saints fan), politics, and playing cards in her many card clubs since 1955 kept her active and happy. Our Mama was so well known for her delicious home cooked meals. Her kitchen was always open to not only her family and friends, but to many dignitaries, parish priests, lawyers, councilmen, sheriffs, mayors, and governors. She could always convince you to stay and enjoy a large heaping size portion-that she herself fixed for you whether you were hungry or not. It was always served at their big kitchen table, the centerpiece of their home where many memories were made. Accomplishments were many: Owned and operated one of the first beauty shops in Gonzales in 1949 along side of LP’s barber shop. Organized and co-chaired the first Gonzales Christmas parade in 1950. At age 22 she was Chairman of the American Red Cross Drive for Gonzales. She and LP successfully developed 7 subdivisions in Gonzales from 1956 to 1983. They built the first high-rise apartment, Chateau Bourque Apartments in Gonzales on Burnside Street, also owned and operated M&B Shoe Store in Gonzales. Mama held her faith deep in her heart and was very active at St. Theresa Catholic Church which she served so dearly. She was in the St. Theresa Ladies Altar Society 55 years, Catholic Daughters for 65 years, Confederate Daughters of America for 20 years, St. Theresa RCIA for 27 years, Friends of Ascension Activity Chairman for 20 years, St. Theresa Bereavement Ministry for 16 years, Certificate for “Selfless Service to Catholic Faith,” a charter member of the Ave Maria University Founder’s Club of Alabama in 1987, was a recipient of the St. Theresa “Pie Dragg” award in 2004, A Georgetown University Graduate Course “Introduction to Christology” in 1988, and an Honorary member of the staff of St. Theresa School by principal Sister Bonaventure in 1969. Our precious Mama is survived by her five children and spouses, Les III, Vicky and Dianne, Neal and Connie, Dawn and Kirt Soileau, and Stacy and Mike Stephens, her Grandchildren- Paul, Penny, Peggy, Paula, Vic Jr., Shelley, Tracy, Darren, Clay, Kirt Jr, Shantelle, Lindsey, Kelly, Scott, Shane and Leslie, 24 Great-Grandchildren-2 more on the way, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren, with one more on the way, and many dear friends. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, LP Bourque, Jr., parents Victor and Lena Rome Mire, a sister, Mildred Mire Diez, 2 brothers, Hewitt and Caleb Mire, a daughter-in-law, Vivian Bourque, and grandson, Robert Paul Bourque. Pallbearers will be Paul Bourque, Vic Bourque, Jr., Darren Bourque, Clay Bourque, Kirt Soileau, Jr., Kelly Soileau, Shane Stephens, and Scott Stephens. We are proud to quote Mama as saying, “My greatest accomplishments were to have gotten LP for my husband and father to my 5 most loving and caring children who are the core of my life, then to be blessed with the most precious loving spouses for them.” “I did the best I could at all time. No one had a more beautiful journey than I did. Thank you, Lord.” We would like to express our thanks to Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge and her loving nurses Randi, Danielle, and Christy for the excellent, tender loving care they gave to our Mama. Thanks to all Mama’s dear friends for their love to her all her 93 years. God Bless You!