Joann Begnaud Gankendorff

Funeral services will be held at a 1:00 pm Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for JoAnn Begnaud Gankendorff, 76, who passed away Sunday, November 25, 2007 at her residence in Lafayette following a lengthy illness. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Lafayette. The Reverend Keith DeRouen, Pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will be Celebrant of the Mass. Mrs. Gankendorff was a lifelong resident of Lafayette. She married Allen Gankendorff in 1951 and together they built a family and a home rooted in love. A woman of deep faith, she served her church as a portress at the Carmelite Monastery and as a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She also served her community as a member of the Junior League of Lafayette. She spent her life dedicated to her husband, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her unique personality never met a stranger and she embraced everyone she met as a part of life's beautiful journey. She was the picture of beauty, grace and dignity-three qualities she embodied, even in her last days. Survivors include one daughter, Karen Gankendorff Martinez of Lafayette; three granddaughters, Amy Elizabeth Jones of Lafayette, Joanie Jones Howard and her husband Patrick of Lafayette, and Jill Martinez Jenkins and her husband Casey of Lafayette; four great-grandchildren, Noah Anthony Fontenot, Luke Patrick Howard, Anne-Marie Howard and Dominick Anthony Jenkins, all of Lafayette; one sister, Judy Begnaud Colomb and her husband Glenn of Lafayette; and one brother, Wayne Paul Begnaud of Lafayette. She also leaves behind dear friends that she adored and always enjoyed spending time with. There is an empty place at the card table where this quick witted woman was the first to crack a joke and always had a smile. The family wishes to thank these special women for their love and support during her final months and days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Henry Gankendorff; her parents, Joseph and Gladys Begnaud; her son-in-law, Dr. Robert D. Martinez; and her niece, Lori Colomb Saab. The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Heart of Hospice, especially Mandy Gauthier, Shelly Trahan, Matthew Vincent and Danielle Arvi. They'd also like to thank Janice Sittig, Floyd Wiltz, Hilaria Broussard and Joan Fatheree for their time, care and compassion in her time of need. The family requests visitation be observed on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until 8:30 pm and will continue Wednesday from 10:00 am until time of services. A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Wayne Begnaud, Wayne Begnaud, Jr., Glenn Colomb, Kevin Colomb, Patrick Howard, Casey Jenkins, George Latiolais and Frank Stagno. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Aillet, Edgar Gankendorff, Kenny Gankendorff, Warren Gankendorff, Jr., and David Hebert. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mrs. Gankendorff's name to the Carmelite Monastery, 1250 Carmel Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501 or to the Arthritis Foundation at P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077. Personal condolences may be sent to the Gankendorff family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Joann Begnaud Gankendorff

May 9, 1931 - November 25, 2007