Mary Lorene Craigen Melancon Wagner
Mary Lorene Craigen Melancon Wagner, 93, of Fannett, died Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Harbor Hospice of Beaumont. She was born August 23, 1929, in Fannett, to Josephine Holst Craigen and Leo Edward Craigen.
Lorene was a faithful Catholic her entire life. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Hamshire, where she married Andrus Melancon in 1949. They moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1960, and she attended Our Lady of Assumption. She moved back to Fannett in 1966, and was a loyal member of Catholic Daughters, Altar Society, and choir. She prayed several times a day and said her rosary nightly. If anyone was sick, having problems, or just needed extra prayers, she said an additional rosary for them. She had several pairs around her home and one in her purse. She taught her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids about the Lord. She always tried to live a good, Christian life and stressed that to her children.
She was a loving, caring person that helped her family whenever she could. She was a caregiver to her parents and many of her siblings. She was hardworking and would give you her last dollar if she thought you were in need. She loved her children and grandchildren more than life itself. Her children were always first in her thoughts, prayers, and deeds. Besides being a wise guidance counselor to many, she worked several jobs in her life including Jefferson County Courthouse and Bayou Din Golf Club. She loved watching sports, bowling in her younger years, and listening to music. She enjoyed dancing to French and Country-Western music. The last time she danced was at her granddaughter, Lynde and Justin Hatcher’s wedding at ninety-two years old.
She is survived by her daughters, Della Faye Freeze and husband, Fred, of Beaumont; Theresa Ilene Leger Stephens, who was also her caregiver, of Fannett; son, Jeff Wade Melancon and fiancé, Sandra Frederick, of Fannett; sister, Mary Ellen Daigle of Fannett; nine grandchildren, Roger Dale East, Jr.; Jodi Leger; Shane Leger; Garrett Melancon, and wife, Hanah McAdams; Payson Melancon and wife, Marly; Lynde Freeze Hatcher and husband, Justin; John Freeze; Joe Freeze and wife, Tracy; seventeen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Andrus Melancon; second husband, Ed Wagner; daughter, Josie Melancon Gastell; siblings, Eddie Craigen; Mae “Doll” Stone; Joe Craigen; Arthur Craigen; Tenos Craigen; Leo Craigen, Jr.; Johnnie Craigen; Frank Craigen; Irene Craigen Geheb; and Corene Craigen Dugas Yingling.
A gathering of Mrs. Wagner’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer, Drive, Winnie. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 9894 Gilbert Road, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Broussard Cemetery, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- March 28, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- March 29, 2023
- 10:30 am
Mass of Christian Burial
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- March 29, 2023
- 11:00 am
Interment
Broussard Cemetery
- , Broussard Cemetery Rd, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- March 29, 2023
Prayers for the family. She has always been a nice and friendly person each time I would see her. Sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I have wonderful memories of my Grandma and Grandpa Barrow bringing us out to Uncle Ed & Aunt Lorene’s for visits and especially at Easter. I remember they took in my dog after my parents wanted to rehome him…can’t that dogs name.
Aunt Lorene was a beautiful and loving lady. I haven’t seen her in years and wish I had.
Hug, love & prayers.
Aunt Lorene always so friendly. Sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family.
Mrs. Loren I have known you all my life. You were one of the most beautiful lady’s I have ever seen. You should have been a movie star.
You had a smile that would make any one smile back at you. You always had a smile on your face
Mrs. Loren you had a heart of gold. God bless and your large family,they will miss you.
Sincere condolences to your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
Sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers to all the family.
So sorry Denise for the loss of your Aunt. I know your mom is glad to have her with her again. Love you always.
So sorry for your loss. Always had a smile on her face. May God give you all peace and comfort.
Susan Keneson LeBlanc
May She Rest in Peace! Sending prayers for the Family
I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Loren . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Della and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to heard of Aunt Lorene’s passing. She was such a sweet lady. May she Rest In Peace in God’s arms.
Through the years I met her and all of her children,may you dance in the sky with all of the Angels. RIP Sweetie…
Rest in the Peace of Christ
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.