Susan Ann Dill Laperouse, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher,

businesswoman, and devoted Catholic, passed away at 4:30 p.m. on August 25,

2026, at Terrebonne General Medical Center.

Born in 1946, Susan was the first child of Ray and Marjorie Henry Dill. She

graduated from St. Francis de Sales Girls School and attended Nicholls State

College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English Education, completing

her degree requirements in just three years. While in college, she worked at the

Houma Courier & Terrebonne Press as a lifestyle writer and editor, beginning a

lifelong connection to writing, literature, and her community.

Susan and Jude Laperouse met as children in grade school and became high

school sweethearts. They married in 1966, while still students at college. Their

youthful romance grew into a 60-year marriage marked by friendship, partnership,

shared faith, family, travel, and a genuine enjoyment of life together.

After graduating from Nicholls, Susan, for a short time, taught English at South

Terrebonne High School and then at Vandebilt Catholic High School. She later

earned a master's degree in theology from Loyola University New Orleans,

combining her love of learning with the Catholic faith that was central to her life.

Susan and Jude traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad.

London held a special place in Susan's heart for its rich literary history and its

connection to the writers and books she loved. Italy captivated her in another

way, with its cultural, religious, and culinary heritage. Their travels became a

treasured part of the life they shared.

Susan also had an entrepreneurial spirit. She was a partner in two very successful

local businesses, Memories of Yesterday, an antique boutique and the Christmas

Place, which specialized in unique and exclusive holiday décor. Her creativity,

energy, and appreciation for beauty were evident in all that she did.

Cooking was another passion shared by Susan and Jude. When they moved into

their current home, they remodeled and expanded the kitchen to include two

stoves and two sinks-an unusually practical expression of how much they

enjoyed cooking together.

Susan's cooking became part of her family's story. Her lasagna was a favorite at

family gatherings, and her soubise was legendary. At Christmas, she made her

beloved "Jesus Birthday" cake, beginning a family tradition that continues today,

two generations later. These were more than recipes; they were expressions of

the love and hospitality with which Susan welcomed family and friends into her

home.

Susan's Catholic faith was equally woven into the fabric of her life. She was a

member of the Altar Society, a past President of the St. Francis de Sales Parish

Council and served as a lecturer at St. Francis de Sales Co-Cathedral. She was a

Eucharistic minister at both the Cathedral and the hospital, bringing the Eucharist

and comfort to those in need. As FOCCUS administrators, Susan and Jude also

helped newly engaged couples prepare for marriage, sharing the perspective and

wisdom gained from their own enduring marriage.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marjorie Henry Dill, and her

brother, Stephen James Dill.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Jude Laperouse; her son, Edward

"Ted" Jude Laperouse II of Baton Rouge and Dallas, Texas; her sisters, Christine Dill

Forrest (Miles) of Houma and Nancy Dill Carroll of San Diego, California; her

grandchildren, Lauren Laperouse and Alex Laperouse of Dallas, Texas; her sistersin-law, Roxanne Kearns Dill of Baton Rouge, Anita Helen Pearson of Houma, Mary

Beth Vicari (Guy) of Houma, and Donna Sue Ortego (Rick) of Houma.

Susan will be remembered for the richness of her life and the warmth with which

she shared it. She loved literature and learning, faith and family, travel and

cooking, and the simple pleasure of gathering people around a table. She built a

successful business, taught generations of students, served her church and

community, and created traditions that will continue long after her.

Above all, Susan and Jude shared a remarkable journey that began in childhood

and lasted six decades. The memories they created-from their early days in

Houma to their travels around the world, from cooking together in their two-stove

kitchen to celebrating Christmas with her "Jesus Birthday" cake-are part of the

legacy she leaves to her family.

Susan lived a life of curiosity, faith, love, service, and joy. She will be deeply missed

and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31 at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

from 9:00 AM until funeral time at 11:00 AM. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM. A

private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Susan's memory to St.

Jude Children's Hospital or Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank.

Chauvin Funeral Home is charge of funeral arrangements.