Illa Mae Lancon Breaux, 80, of Beaumont, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. She was born on May 8, 1934, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Willie Lancon and Lillian DeRouen. Illa Mae was one of eighteen brothers and sisters.  She lived in New Iberia where she met the love of her live, Michael James Breaux.  They married in 1958. That same year they moved to Ulysses, Kansas, where they began their life together.  Not long after that, their first child was born and they moved to Beaumont, Texas, where they later had three more children. In 1978, they began their overseas travels to Naples, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. They retired in 1994.

Throughout her life, Illa Mae could always be found doing some form of charitable work, whether it be directing bingo games at the nursing home, delivering meals on wheels to the elderly, providing delicious food or cookies for just about any occasion, and always offering herself to others in need. She had a heart of gold and taught her family the importance of giving time and resources to those less fortunate and asking for nothing in return. Illa Mae also loved frequent trips to the casinos, crafts, and gardening. You could always find her at morning Mass either at Our Lady of the Pines in Woodville or St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Beaumont. She prayed the Rosary fervently multiple times a day.  After the loss of her husband nine months ago, her heart was broken and never the same. They are now spending eternity together.

Survivors include her children, Michele Moity of Houston; Sheila Metreyeon and her husband, David, of Beaumont; Darren Breaux of Houston; and Michael Breaux and his wife, Debbie, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren, Amanda Barton, Ryan Barton, Rebekah Moity, and Michael Breaux, Jr.; and brother, Leslie Lancon and his wife, Dean of New Iberia, Louisiana.

A gathering of Mrs. Breaux’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with her Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2014, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284.