Ursula M. Escude

Ursula Miller Escude’, age 86, entered eternal life on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Hessmer Nursing Home.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Stephanie Escude’ Brochard (Chad) of Mansura, David Robert Escude’ (Caroline) of Baton Rouge, Stephen Charles Escude’ (Amilyn) of San Antonio, Texas, and Wayne Christopher Escude’ (Tina), of Wichita, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Christina Escude’ Thornton (Robb Reech), Theresa Escude’ Robert (Jacques), Haley Marie Escude’, Julien Michael Brochard and Zachary Robert Brochard; 6 great-grandchildren: William Thornton, Hannah Thornton, Elise Robert, Lucy Robert, Landry Robert, and Jacques M. Robert.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Jude Escude’; husband, Robert Escude’; parents, Leighton Davis Miller, Sr. & Theresa Van Gossen Miller; and brother, Leighton Davis Miller, Jr.

Ursula was united in marriage to Robert Escude’ in 1960, a partnership that flourished in love and mutual support. Ursula dedicated much of her career to service, first as a secretary and bookkeeper at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mansura for many years and later at St. John’s Cathedral School in Shreveport. Her nurturing spirit was evident in her role as a teacher for two-year-old at Elisabeth Renzi Child Development in Shreveport. Returning to Mansura after her husband's retirement, she served as a social service designee at Rio Sol Nursing Home and lent her talents as a substitute teacher in Avoyelles Parish Schools. A devout member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Ursula was heavily involved in church activities, notably as president and treasurer of St. Paul’s Ladies Altar Society and as a member of the St. Paul Kaycee Auxiliary, where she also served as president. Her dedication to her faith went hand-in-hand with her passion for community service; she was an active participant in the Mansura Chamber of Commerce and served one term as an alderwoman for the Town of Mansura.

Ursula’s legacy will continue through her loved ones; she was a proud mother (Mama), a loving grandmother (Maw Maw), and a treasured great-grandmother. Spending time with her family and pets year-round and especially during holidays brought her the most joy. She looked forward to “Pocking” Easter eggs and celebrating Mother’s Day weekend with family and friends at the Cochon De Lait. She had her very own “pig” collection inside and outside her home. She loved to cook and made sure everyone was taken care of before she sat down. She loved to listen to music and sing and dance, especially to Elvis and Christmas carols. She loved the outdoors; sitting on her porch swing, watching the birds and playing with her dogs a favorite past time. After her move to the nursing home, she made sure the birdfeeder outside her window was always full. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00am on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Mansura with Fr. Blake Deshautelle officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is from 8:00am until 10:45am on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Escude’ Funeral Home in Mansura. Rosary prayer will be recited at 10:00am.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers: Chad Brochard, Julien Brochard, Zachary Brochard, Jacques Robert, Robb Reech, and William Thornton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Paul Altar Society, P.O. Box 130 Mansura, LA 71350.

A special thankyou to all those that cared for our sweet angel at the Hessmer Nursing Home, she loved you like family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude’ Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 6608 Porterie St. Mansura, LA 71350