Sydnie Collette Broussard Manuel died on April 18, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born on December 7, 1933, in Welsh, Louisiana, to Edna LeJeune and Sidney Dewey Broussard. She grew up in Welsh and attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau as a boarding student for several years and was graduated from Welsh High School. She then attended the College of the Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau and received a B.A. from McNeese State College, as it was then known.
Collette was an educator for more than 30 years, teaching English and Speech at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School, Pearl Watson Junior High School, and Alfred M. Barbe High School.
She was an avid reader and contract bridge player throughout her life, and enjoyed the latest theatrical movie releases with friends.
A lifelong faithful Catholic, she was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, where she served as a lector for many years. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and of the Serra Club of Lake Charles.
Coco, as she was named by her grandchildren, was preceded in death by her husband Albert “Rabbit” Manuel, her parents, and her brother James Harold “Bruce” Broussard. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Manuel Lowe (Peter); her grandchildren, Catherine Harwood Leftwich (Wesley) and Emilie Collette Garcia (Jacob); her great-grandchildren, Eugénie Colette Leftwich, Clément Dewey Leftwich, and Elliott Thomas Garcia; nieces and nephews Daniel Broussard (Sharon), David Broussard (Vicki), Larry Broussard (JoAn), Julie Snader (Tom), and Christine Canzoneri (George), great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
Coco’s family is thankful for the many treasured friends who visited with her often, her compassionate caseworkers from Brighton Bridge Hospice, and the kind and caring staff at Resthaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles on Monday, April 29, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM, and the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Hixson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saints Fund at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles or to the organization of your choice.
