Dates
Mary Jane (Janie) Begnaud born December 30, 1930 passed from this earth on February 7, 2024 at the age of 93. Janie was born to Mary Jane McCants and John Claude Simmons in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Great Depression. She was raised by a single working mother with the help of many uncles and aunts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This instilled in her the importance of family, resilience and independence.
On March 4, 1950 Janie married John William (Bill) Begnaud (November 19, 1928- May 12, 2005) in New Orleans and began their new lives in Lafayette Louisiana. Janie is survived by her three, children, Denise Begnaud Watson and her husband Ted of Fort Collins, Colorado; John Begnaud and wife Jeanne of San Angelo, Texas and Paul Begnaud and wife Dominique of Magnolia, Texas.
Janie adored her seven grandchildren and spouses Mary Watson; Albert Watson and wife Atchiporn French; Jennifer Begnaud Moots& husband Gregg; Joanna Begnaud Click & husband Jordan; Jacqui Begnaud Mobley & husband Cody; Jayme Begnaud Komechak & husband Mathew; and Dominique Van den Bogaert and partner Tinne.
Twelve great grandchildren, Sidnee, Averi and Ben Click; Theo Watson; Charlie Gokosivil-Watson; Brekken and Everly Moots; Thomas John and Wyatt Komechak; Georgie and Liam Mobley; and Feline Van den Bogaert also survive Janie.
Janie was an amazing home cook having learned New Orleans cuisine and marrying into the Cajun culture of south Louisiana. She was an excellence seamstress having made many of her children’s school clothes and all varieties of grandchildren’s and doll clothes. Janie knitted countless sweaters and loved challenging cross-stitch embroidery-examples of which hang in the homes of her children and grandchildren‘s homes.
Janie and Bill were active in Masonic work in Texas. Janie was involved in Eastern Star and Ladies of the Nile while supporting husband Bill’s involvement with Suez Shriners. The years including and leading to Potentate and first lady were special to them both.
Janie loved the sport of bridge and loved the many friends who kept her playing bridge till the end. Janie made friends easily no matter where she was. Thank You Friends.
Mary Jane Begnaud had faith in God, loved life and her family, and was a true inspiration to us all.
Janie’s wishes of a family memorial will be honored at a later date.