Irma Belle Abdalla

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Delhomme Funeral Home Chapel of the Flowers on Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA for Irma Belle Poche Abdalla, 100 , who died peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Reverend Mark Benge, Pastor of First United Methodist Church will conduct the funeral services. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Irma was born on Thanksgiving Day 1913 in Gold Dust, Louisiana to Ralph J. Poche and the former Emma Belle Wheeler. She grew up in Arnaudville, LA and would tell stories of living through the Great Depression. She moved to Opelousas to work and met Edward Abdalla III whom she later married in 1933. They moved to Lafayette and opened the first Abdalla's department store in the downtown area on Jefferson Street. Irma was involved with many civic and fun endeavors throughout her years. She was involved with Downtown Development of Lafayette and was a founding member of the Krewe of Attakapas. She was a first class businesswoman and was recognized and awarded for being a "Trail Blazer" in Acadiana by the Independent Weekly opening the doors for many business women in Acadiana and throughout Southwest Louisiana. She was part of the greatest generation, whose work ethic and joi de vivre spirit will not be forgotten. She was a fun-filled person who always had a story or a joke to tell. She touched so many lives both young and old. After she retired from the retail business after 60 years, she became an avid cook who loved to feed her family and anyone that would visit. She was a mentor and friend to all. She was an example of grace, courage, joy and happiness. She was a godly woman with a heart of gold. The true spirit of the Lord shined through her. She could write the most beautiful prayers. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Irma is survived by her two children, Carolyn Abdalla and Edward "Brother" Abdalla and his wife Catherine; her two grandchildren, Alicia Abdalla Mouton and her husband Britt and Adam Abdalla and his wife Stephanie; and her four great grandchildren, Michael, Catherine "Kate", Matthew and Mitchell Mouton. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward, her parents Ralph and Emma Belle Poche, and her brothers, Herbert and Ralph Poche, as well as many other loved ones. The family extends gratitude to her incredible physicians, Dr. Harold "Shoe" Chastant, Dr. Bradley Chastant and Dr. Bradley Chastant, Jr. and to all of her caregivers. The family requests that visitation be observed from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, June 6, 2014 and from 9:00 am on Saturday until the time of the funeral. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Harold "Shoe Chastant, Ted Beaullieu, Dr. Ray Authement, Frank C. Gerami II, E. Gregory Voorhies, Dr. Bradley Chastant and Dr. Bradley Chastant, Jr. Personal condolences may be sent to the Abdalla family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Irma Belle Abdalla

November 27, 1913 - June 5, 2014