Irene M Petitjean
DIED: July 12, 2002
Two words encompassed a life of graciousness and devotion to education
and community betterment when spoken in Rayne. "Miss Irene" evoked
immediate recognition and reverence when spoken in this community. Miss
Irene, a much beloved community leader, passed away at 2 p.m. Friday, July
12, 2002, in her home at the age of 97, leaving a community endowed by
her numerous contributions to mourn her departure.
Miss Irene Petitjean began her career in education in 1922 at Mire Elementary
School.In 1927, she transferred to Rayne, where she taught fourth and sixth
grades.In 1930, she taught French, general studies and served as part-time
librarian at Rayne High School.She taught French and math between 1938
and 1942 and served as principal of Rayne High School from 1942 to 1948.She
was a charter member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in 1939,
served as state treasurer and was granted a 50-year membership certificate
in 1989.
A charter member of the Rayne Garden Club, Miss Petitjean was very active
in state, regional and national Garden Club organizations. She also volunteered
her time on the Louisiana Society for Horticultural Research, the Southwest
Flower Show Judges' Council and the Landscape Design Critics Council. She
established the $1000, Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Irene M. Petijean
Horticulture Scholarship.
She was a willing volunteer for community projects, serving on both the
City's Bi-Centennial and Centennial Committees.She was a charter member
of Rayne's Youth Commission and the Rayne Historical and Cultural Association,
Inc.Along with other family members, she donated 12 acres of land on which
Martin Petitjean Elementary School now stands.She was appointed by the
governor as a charter member of CODOFIL in 1968 and was named to the Executive
Committee of the Louisiana Bi-Centennial Commission first by Gov.McKeithen
in 1971 and Gov.Edwards in 1973.She was named to the Louisiana Arboretum
Board by Gov.Edwards in 1974.She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic
Church, serving as a CCD teacher and on various committees.She served a
a board member of Rayne Catholic Elementary and was recognized as the first
"Outstanding Achiever of the Lafayette Diocese in 1990-91.She was
also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Lay Carmelites,
serving as prioress.Miss Irene took particular joy in the home for the
Carmelite Sisters.The home was built as a memorial to her mother and the
Thelice Gaspard Sisters Home became a valued part of the St. Joseph Catholic
Church properties.
A lengthy list of plaques and other awards bestowed on her during her lifetime illustrate the extent of her volunteerism and devotion to her community.She established the N. Curtiss Petitjean Memorial Scholarship
at Loyola in loving memory of her brother, Mr. N. Curtiss Petitjean. She also established numerous burses, chairs and/or foundations.Those donations
were primarily directed to education ranging from elementary to university
level and her church, also from the local level to diocesan level.Her contributions most assuredly will continue to serve education, her faith and her community for many years to come.
|
