Catherine Smith

Mary “Catherine” Goudeau Smith, a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, died Tuesday, June 27th, 2017, with her son and long-term caregiver, Jude by her side, holding her hand while they listened to Elvis Gospel music.  She was born on Monday, March 10th, 1941 and was 76 years old.

Catherine leaves behind her beloved children; her devoted son & caregiver, Jude Thomas Smith; daughter & caregiver, Mary Smith Bankston and son-in-law, Mark Bankston; daughter, Annette Smith Alessi and son-in-law, Gene Joe; son, David Wayne Smith; and son, John Daniel Smith and daughter-in-law, Paula. Also surived by 5 grandchildren, Holly Lindsey, Brandi, Creek, Victoria and Maria; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas Patrick "Pat" Goudeau and sister-in-law, Jo Marie Fedele Goudeau; 3 sisters, Clare Tallo, Marie Felder, and Eloise Anderson and brother-in-law, Gordon Anderson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Pierre Goudeau and Ora Bankston Goudeau; her two sons, Matthew Mark and Michael Luke Smith; and beloved husband, George David Smith, whom she met while serving in the Air Force.

Catherine has touched so many lives with her fun positive attitude.   She loved red and always drove a bright red car.  If you were looking for her and could not reach her by phone,  all you had to do was look for that bright red car.   If a woman wearing a wig (one of many) with bright red lipstick and religious jewelry, her seat straight up and pulled all the way up to the steering wheel, you’ve found her.  She loved to hang out with friends from having coffee in the mornings at Shorty’s to enjoying a white wine spritzer at Benny’s Place in the afternoon.   

While the days of the spritzer have long passed, she still enjoyed getting out for coffee.    She enjoyed going to the Kangaroo Express on University Drive for what she and her son, Jude called their “Sit and Sip.”   They’d just sit right there parked by the front door reading the paper and listening to Kajun 107.   She’d have to hear “The 5 Things That Make You Happy” on the radio before leaving.   She enjoyed just laughing and talking with the customers as they passed by.  She looked forward to waving to and conversing with the young ladies who worked the morning shift, who always made her feel so special.  Afterwards, they’d ride all over town for a long while before heading home.

Catherine had many visitors at her home when she could no longer venture out.  Her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came by often.  Her friends and neighbors came to see her as well.   While she had the option to go to a nursing home or assisted living, she chose to remain at home where she was much loved and cared for.  

The family would like to thank everyone who showed their love and care, allowing her to live at home, where she wanted to be.  The family also extends their gratitude to the caregivers at Home Instead, Southeast Home Health,  APEX Home Health, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Susie, including all of her family members who ensured she was safe, secure, and happy at home.

She always spoke the truth and strived to live it, whether you wanted to hear it or not.  She instilled the teachings of the Catholic Faith in all of her children, their friends, and anyone she encountered.  She never judged them and loved them for who they were.  “Love the sinner, but hate the sin,” she would utter.  While all of her children were different, she’d say “I love my children all the same.”   She did not put up with any one of her children speaking bad of the other. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the graveside service on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10:00 am in Colonial Cemetery, 13433 Vitrano Lane, Independence, Louisiana 70443.

Contributions may be made, in memory of Catherine Smith, to the Knights of Columbus, 1700 N Oak St., Hammond, LA 70401; who she has supported for many years.

Arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes of Hammond & Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

To view and sign the family guest book please visit www.harrymckneely.com.