Mary Catherine Sudela, 91, of Monroe, Louisiana, formerly of Nederland, died Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Christus St. Joseph’s Home, Monroe, Louisiana. She was born on January 13, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John J. Berlier and Bertha Catherine (Huey) Berlier.
Reared in a devout Catholic family, Mary was indoctrinated into the values of church, family, and service. She served in the Nurse’s Aides Corp of the American National Red Cross during the height of World War II. She also served in the USO where she met her future husband, Joe Sudela who was serving in the Army. Although Mary claims that she was not initially interested in Joe, his persistence and charm eventually won her over. Joe and Mary were married on May 16, 1946 and celebrated 52 years of marriage before Joe’s passing in 1999.
After moving to Joe’s hometown of Galveston, they took the passage of Genesis 1:28 seriously in which God offers the instruction to “be fertile and multiply.” Seven of their nine children were born in Galveston, and two were born after their move to Nederland in 1961. All nine of Mary’s children were not only instructed on the values of church, family, and service, but they were able to witness Mary’s example through her involvement in the St. Charles parish community. She regularly served as a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector during Mass. She was also a dedicated member of the Altar Society where she participated in several activities including cleaning the church, serving on committees, and baking uncountable cakes, pies, cookies, and popcorn balls. She also brought Holy Communion to those that were unable to attend Mass.
Family members remember the home cooked meals that began with a prayer, the assignment of chores around the house, and her amazing productions for birthdays and holidays; especially the food and desserts at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She managed the Sudela household, and being a master seamstress, she sewed many of the clothes that her children wore.
She later moved to St. Joseph’s Home in Monroe, Louisiana where she continued to attend daily Mass, arriving early to pray the Rosary. She made an impact on her fellow St. Joseph residents; participating in many activities including regular rounds of bingo and dominoes. She was proud to introduce her many children to the St. Joseph’s residents during their visits.
Survivors include five daughters; Barbara Ann Thompson of Monroe, Louisiana, Rose Guilbeau of Houston, Betty Butler of Austin, Peggy Bateman of Houston, and Debbie McCown of Cypress, Texas, and four sons, Robert Sudela of San Marcos, Bill Sudela of Houston, Tim Sudela of Beaumont, and John Sudela of Hull. Survivors also include numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Rosary for Mrs. Sudela will be recited at 5:00 PM, with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 7:30 PM, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sudela’s memory to Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703 or to Wellspring Alliance for Family and Children, 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71202.
