Catherine Ann Broussard Blanchard passed away peacefully in her sleep from a stroke on February 29, 2012 in her home in Lighthouse Point, Fla. Cathy is loved by her two daughters Christie and Renee, her mother Claire, siblings Harvey Jr., Paul, Steve, and Mary,  the father of her beloved children Carson, her faithful and loyal Maltiz-Yorkie Beausoliel, and her many customers and friends. Cathy was preceded in death by her father Harvey Broussard Sr. in 2004.

Cathy was born in New Iberia and attended both Mount Carmel and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Soon after graduation, she taught English at Lafayette High School and Cathedral Carmel High School in Lafayette.

Cathy blazed a trail for women in the insurance industry by becoming the first woman State Farm agent in the state of Louisiana in 1983 and then the first woman manager in the state of Florida in 1987. Cathy opened her first insurance agency office on Willow Street in Franklin in 1983. She loved being an entrepreneur, growing her business and taking care of her customers. She took pride in helping the families that walked into her State Farm office. Cathy and her family moved to South Florida in 1987 where she has since resided. Cathy had recently retired in 2010 and enjoyed traveling back to her hometown in Louisiana, visiting family and long time friends. She loved books, New Orleans jazz, traveling to new places and laughing. The New Orleans Saints have always been a source of pride for Cathy who was looking forward to attending another Jazz Festival this coming April with her two daughters and son-in-law. 

In lieu of flowers, please help to protect women’s health by donating to Planned Parenthood of Louisiana 4018 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 7011

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 2514 Old Jeanerette Rd., New Iberia.