JoAnn “Mama Jo” Dubriel Rachal was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dedicated member of the St. Augustine Parish. She passed away peacefully at the age of 81 in her home following a long struggle with cancer. JoAnn was born in Melrose to her loving parents, Mary Louise (Conant) and Wesley Dubriel who preceded her in death.
Kerry Mullone, her long-time partner; and her son, James (Jimmy) Rachal Jr. also preceded her in death.
She has two surviving brothers, Wesley Charles and Lloyd Dubriel, along with James and John who preceded her in death.
JoAnn is survived by her two daughters, Teresa Jones (Joey Jones) and Karen Buckhanan (Roy Buckhanan); four grandchildren; Lance Beaudion (Katie Beaudion), Bre’Genna Martinez, Je’Vonne Buckhanan and Sarah Beaudion; and six great-grandchildren, Adam (AJ) Demery Jr., Genevieve, Josephine and Christine Beaudion and Zoelle and Zayden Martinez.
JoAnn has been a life-long member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, The Ladies Auxiliary and Christian Mothers. She was an icon in the community and well known for her meat pies and kind, caring and loving personality.
JoAnn was employed by the Natchitoches Parish School Board for 30 years as a Cafeteria Manager at St. Matthew High School and Weaver Elementary. She also spent a brief period of time at St. Mary’s Catholic School as a cook in the cafeteria. Even after retirement she was employed as the housekeeper for the parish priests for several years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle. Entombment in the St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum will follow the Mass. The family will receive friends from 9-10:30 a.m. at the church with recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 10:30 a.m.