Helen Claudette Glorioso

Helen Claudette Glorioso, age 80, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024,

surrounded by the love of her family.

Our family lost a legend this week as Claudette danced her way into heaven. A woman who was never great at saying “goodbye,” fearing she would miss out on something good; she left on her own terms.

Leaving behind a lifetime of unforgettable memories, love, and laughter, Claudette was a force to be reckoned with; unapologetically herself and proud of it. Feisty to her very core, Claudette spoke her mind without hesitation and loved with her whole heart, making an impression on everyone she met. She never met a stranger.

Claudette never met a party she didn’t love or a dance floor she couldn’t command. Whether it was a family gathering or a spur-of-the-moment celebration, she was the life of the party, twirling, laughing, and making everyone feel like they belonged. Her zest for life was contagious; she taught us all the value of living boldly and loving fiercely. If you were a friend of one of her kids or grandkids, you were immediately adopted as her own. She raised many a stray kid along the way, and they all lovingly call her “CLAUDETTE!” (or Mee-maw!)

She cared less for convention and even less of what others thought. She did things her way, and that’s exactly how she would want to be remembered. From her legendary remarks (no matter how bold) to her unforgettable dance moves, she brought joy and vibrancy to every room she entered. Her favorite thing was to reminisce of the good ol’ days in Port Arthur. The clubs, the socials, and the people. She could wax poetic about the times she spent running the town. (She may have also been the unofficial mayoress of Crystal Beach… But we can’t confirm that.)

Her proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. Nothing filled her heart with joy and admiration more than the accomplishments of her grandchildren. All you had to do was ask her… She had lots of pictures in her phone that might have been really blurry… but she knew exactly which grandkid it was for and what they had done.

Her favorite expression was “Aw, Hell!” and that’s exactly what she gave us… Unabashedly the epitome of staunch; she fought the fires, and the fires lost.

Claudette is preceded in death by her parents Floyd Douglas Lamberth, Anna Berta Thompson, her husband Samuel “Buddy” Glorioso and grandson Donovan Bushnell. She is survived by her children Robin Roberts, Michael Bushnell, Terri Yanta and husband Conrad, Tracey Steele and husband Pete. Her grandchildren Kelsey Thibodeaux and husband Adam, Jacquelyn Beckworth and husband Shelby, Tanner Perron, Alexandra Keohane and husband Patrick, Ashton Yanta, Addison Yanta, Kyleigh Bushnell and Talon Guthrie. Her great-grandchildren Brayson Thibodeaux, Liam Beckworth, Ellisa Beckworth, and Jesse Beckworth.

Her family will forever treasure her spirit and carry on her legacy by living their life to the fullest and dancing like nobody's watching.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we all find comfort knowing she’s already organizing a heavenly dance party and reminding everyone up there not to take themselves too seriously.

Whether you called her Claudette, Helen or Mee-maw you are all welcome to a celebration of her incredible life on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home 4841 39th St, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. Followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Park from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, TX. Where she will be laid to rest.

In true “Mee-maw” fashion, bring your best stories, your dancing shoes, and your love of life as we gather at Larry’n Ritas at 6:00 p.m.

Rest easy, Mee-maw, and keep dancing under the stars. We’ll miss you every single day.

Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to Beaumont Humane Society, Beaumont, Texas, https://humanesocietyofsoutheasttexas.org/donations/.