Patricia "Pat" A. Harris, Ph.D. died at her home in Lafayette, Louisiana on September 27, 2025 at the age of 85. Survivors include her beloved companion of 40 years, Priscilla DeVille; her cousins, Glenn Duhon, Terry Dupuis, and Wayne Dupuis; and many relatives, friends, colleagues, and former students. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Edgar Joseph Harris and Mrs. Jessie Lee Roy Harris.

Pat, a native and lifelong resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, lived a full and spirited life. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans, earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and went on to receive her Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology from Louisiana State University. Her professional career reflected her profound intellect and passion for education. She served on the faculties of the University of Louisiana, the University of North Carolina, Opelousas Catholic, and the Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she was respected for her dedication to teaching and mentoring young minds.

Pat lived her life with a sense of adventure and curiosity. She enjoyed traveling, reading, white-water rafting, golf, and bridge. She embraced new hobbies and experiences with enthusiasm and was known by many for her feisty, spunky spirit that left a lasting impression wherever she went. Active in her community, Pat was a devoted member of the Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club, a 40-year member of A.A., a supporter of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, and a fervent fan of LSU women’s basketball. Her faith was a source of strength, and receiving the Eucharist remained a vital factor throughout her life.

Ben Bowie, age 103, of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away September 13, 2025. He was a quiet, modest man who charmed everyone he met, you weren't a friend of Ben's but rather a member of his extended family. Ben was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and earned his Master's Degree in history from Ole Miss. He served in World War II in the 11th Airborne Division as chief of security in a northern Japanese city. Upon his return to Mississippi, he met his future wife, Lyda Ann Pace on a blind date and they were married in November of 1948. Ben served as a school principal and area manager for Southern Airways before settling in New Orleans and starting his own cleaning business. During this time, he decided to start gardening - and did so in a big way growing a multitude of vegetables in raised beds. He retired in his late 60s and surprised everyone by being busier than ever. He increased the size of his garden, went from a casual bridge player to championship level, traveled with his beloved wife and volunteered with various organizations. He also returned to college and wrote a play which was produced by the University of New Orleans. After repeated floods in New Orleans, He and Lyda moved to Lafayette. He built a bigger garden, delivered Meals on Wheels, worked with Habitat for Humanity, was active in the Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club, and voluteered at the Lafayette Children's Museum. His work there earned him statewide recognition with an Angel Award.  He is survived by sons Benjamin Edwards Bowie, III (Cheryl Taylor Bowie), James Pace Bowie (Patricia Barbin Bowie), and Gordon Paul Bowie (Anna Edelman Bowie); grandchildren, Dani O'Hara Moore (Dale Moore), Amy Bowie Fountain (Brent Fountain), Chas Bowie, and Brad Bowie (Melissa Dupreast); and six great-grandchildren.  

Dion Joseph Dubois was born on July 12, 1952, in Lafayette, Louisiana, and he resided in Maurice. Dion was a lifelong educator, dedicating many years to both classroom teaching and administrative roles. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southwestern Louisiana, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston. Following his retirement, Dion volunteered at the International Museum of Culture and went on to became their Associate Director. In his retirement, Dion longed to return home to South Louisiana, which he affectionately called “Cajun Country,” so that he could be closer to his family. He was also a world traveler, exploring remarkable destinations such as Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Hawaii. He continued serving others during his retirement, including his latest role as the Educational Specialist for Dr. Raghotham Patlola and his family.

Dion was avid Bridge Player. He spent countless hours preparing classes to teach at the Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club and serving as a mentor to aspiring Life Masters. In his journey with duplicate bridge, Dion accomplished his Llfe Master, his Bronze Life Master, and his Silver Life Master. He held various poistions in the bridge clud, such as treasurer. Dion’s final accomplishment was the work he did on his book “Common Sense Bridge”. Dion’s final words of wisdom, “it is not about the quantity of life, it is the quality of the life that we live.”

Dion is survived by his sister, Geralyn Dubois Abshire and her husband Jamie of Maurice; and his sister-in-law Cheryl Dubois of Youngsville; a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; along with numerous beloved friends and colleagues.

William K. Freeman, Jr., 69, passed away August 4, 2024 in Blue Springs MO. He was born in El Dorado AR and grew up in Kansas City MO. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, he retired in Lafayette and took up bridge. He quickly became a mainstay of the Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club as a student, player, mentor, director – whatever was needed. Bill was a Silver Life Master and enjoyed playing in Regional and National tournaments with a group of friends. He left his extensive collection of bridge books to the Club, which has established a lending library in his name.

Adele Sonnier Blue passed away June 19, 2024, at the age of 90. Survivors include two sons and two daughters, six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and a sister-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Sheldon. Both natives of Lafayette, Adele and Sheldon moved around the country before returning after they retired. Adele worked as a legal assistant and paralegal, and was active in her church and in the community. She was a member of the Lafayette Parish Library Foundation Board for ten years. She was an avid duplicate bridge player and served on the club’s board of directors for many years.  

Mary Lois Glasscock Boagni passed away May 3, 2024, at her residence in Opelousas LA, surrounded by her family and friends. Lois was born in Opelousas on November 12, 1937. She was a Licensed Professional Counselor and worked with adoptive parents, families and children, and with students at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau. She and her husband Ken were the parents of four daughters and one son.  Lois was a Gold Life Master in bridge, played competitive tennis, and was an avid fan of many sports.

Wanda Robichaux Bergeron passed away on November 27, 2023, at the age of 98. Survivors include four daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her husband Robert preceded her in death in 2005. Wanda’s nurturing spirit turned her home into a haven of warmth and hospitality where she fostered life-long friendships. She was deeply religious and was active in the Catholic Church. She was also an enthusiastic duplicate bridge player, achieving the rank of Bronze Life Master, and continued to play until just a few months before her death.