Mildred “MeeMee” Guidry Lalande

Mildred May Guidry Lalande, 91, of Richmond, Texas, formerly of Beaumont, passed away February 6, 2017. Mildred, known fondly by all as MeeMee, was born on May 15, 1925, in Rayne, Louisiana to J.C. Cleveland Guidry and Annie Mae Bourque Guidry.

She graduated from Indian Bayou High School in 1942 and later moved with her family to Beaumont, Texas where she resided for over sixty years. MeeMee worked as a seamstress in the alterations department of the White House Department Store and later independently thanks to a long following of loyal clients.

MeeMee loved to make clothes, travel the world and was a fan of beautiful jewelry. She was an avid ceramics painter and was famous for her Christmas trees and Nativity scenes. MeeMee also enjoyed playing the piano and was an organist for thirty five years at St. Pius X Catholic Church. She especially loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, traveling back and forth from Beaumont to Pearland every other week. MeeMee would chauffeur her grandchildren around from dance class to team practices, taught them how to swim, crafted recital costumes and prom dresses and attended every football game and recital there was. MeeMee loved to watch The Lawrence Welk Show and could often be found dancing and singing to The Glen Miller Band. She also loved to play card games and was a fierce competitor when it came to playing dominoes.

MeeMee was preceded in death by her parents; infant grandson, Kevin Charles Frank; and her beloved sister, Evelyn “Doosy” Guidry.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Lalande Perrard; grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Frank, Andrea Lynn Perrard, and Russell Perrard; great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Anne Farr; brother, Carl J. Guidry; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family is especially thankful for the loyalty and love of her two caretakers Josie Powers and Lupe Cabazos.

A gathering of Ms. Lalande’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5075 Bigner Road, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Red Cross-Beaumont Chapter, 3260 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703; or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.