Octovene “Shorty” Matthews Gaudet, 86, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. She was born on February 9, 1928, to Arbell Wilkinson and Clint Matthews, in Wiergate, and had been a longtime resident of the area.

She lost her parents at age 5 and was reared by her aunt and uncle, Stella and Johnny Wilkinson, of Newton.

Octovene graduated from Nederland High School. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Octovene was loved by all who knew her, possessed a wonderful spirit, and a love for life.

Octovene is survived by her sons, Larry Anthony Gaudet and his wife, Belinda, of Southlake and Wayne Gaudet and his wife, Elda, of Beaumont; sisters, Betty Norris of Port Neches; Christine Barber and  her husband, R.A., of Port Arthur; and Irene Glover and her husband, Charles, of Newton; grandchildren, Scott Gaudet and his wife, Jennifer; Shawn Gaudet and his wife, Erin; Jessica McColley; and Dustin Gaudet; great-grandchildren; Jordan Gaudet, Gabriel Gaudet, Garrett McColley, Avery Gaudet, Connor Gaudet, Reese Gaudet, Katelyn Gaudet, and Everleigh Gaudet.

She is preceded in death by her birth parents, Arbell and Clint Matthews; aunt and uncle, Stella and Johnny Wilkinson; husband, Shirley Anthony Gaudet; and sister, Maxine Mitchell.

A Rosary for Mrs. Gaudet will be recited at 4:00 p.m., with a gathering to follow until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2014, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School, 850 Forsythe, Beaumont, Texas 77701.