Marlene Alba Rausch

Funeral services will be held at an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at St. Edmond Catholic Church for Marlene Alba Rausch, 52, who passed away Monday, January 14, 2008 at her home the way she wanted it, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Annabelle Alba; her husband of thirty-two years, Dr. Mosey Edward Rausch; two daughters, Jennifer and Lauren, Lauren's husband, William Poch'; one sister, Linda Alba Russell and her husband, Lionel Russell; one niece, Theresa and her husband, Kenneth Matherne; and one nephew, Scott Russell. Reverend Gary Schexnayder, Pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Con-celebrants will be Reverend Tim Richard, Pastor of St. Edmond Catholic Church and Deacon Randy Hyde, Deacon Frank Cormier, and Deacon Paul Matte. Interment will be held in Fountain Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Marlene was born in New Orleans where she met her husband at age twenty, but was a resident of Lafayette for thirty-two years. She was an incredibly patriotic person while simultaneously remaining extremely proud of her Filipino heritage. Marlene was also a compassionate woman who had a lust for life, having very few regrets, supporting and nurturing her family and embracing all around her. Marlene had a love for nature and all of God's creatures, especially the mountains of Jackson, Wyoming and her dogs, Susie, Kaiser and Greta. Marlene was an introspective person who kept a journal, which included passages dealing with the unconditional love she had for her family, her faith in Jesus and the world she lived. Marlene had a keen eye for all of those things beautiful and interesting, especially fashion and art. Marlene taught those that surrounded her how to love, her strong lust and will for life exemplified that the human spirit will not be crushed by the tragedy of cancer. Marlene battled brain cancer for over one and a half years but never abandoned her faith or trust in Jesus. She was witty and beautiful, even in her darkest moments. When Marlene walked in and out of a room she was always remembered due to her radiant beauty and her friendly persona. Marlene will never leave our thoughts; her open mind and loving spirit will forever imprint our hearts. She was preceded in death by her father, Nicanor Alba, and her nephew Lonnie Russell. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Wednesday from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm and continue Thursday from 8:00 am until the time of service. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm on Wednesday in the funeral home by Deacon Frank Cormier. Pallbearers will be Scott Russell, Kenny Matherne, Seth Matherne, Larry Rausch, Lionel Russell, John O'Mearn, Christopher Barras, and Eloy Piacer. Honorary pallbearers will be William Poch', Jack Sharlow, Roland Talley, Dale Trahan, Mike Hillman, and Bill Charbonnet. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Carmelite Monastery at 1250 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of her caregivers, friends and neighbors who stood by her until the end. The family would also like to thank Dr. DeAlvare, Dr. Karen Smith, Dr. Maitland Deland, Evelyn Goodrow, RN, Dr. Paulette Blanchette, Tonya Bacca, RN and the staff of Oncologies and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Personal condolences may be sent to the Rausch family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Marlene Alba Rausch

March 30, 1955 - January 14, 2008