SLS 18RS-1358 ORIGINAL
2018 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 40
BY SENATORS MORRISH AND JOHNS
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the death of Patricia R. Theunissen, wife
of former Louisiana State Senator Jerry Theunissen.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
3 passing of Patricia Reaud Theunissen of Jennings, Louisiana, and to celebrate a life
4 well lived in service to her family, community, and her faith.
5 WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
6 has learned of the passing of a great lady and family matriarch, Patricia R. Theunissen on
7 February 16, 2018; and
8 WHEREAS, born in 1929 and reared by parents, Jules Reaud and Ruby Marshall
9 Reaud, Pat grew into a gentlewoman of abundant social grace, effervescence, and generosity
10 and she led an unselfish life of service to her family; and
11 WHEREAS, in the 1950s she met and fell in love with a dashing fighter pilot in the
12 United States Air Force, Lieutenant Gerald Joseph Theunissen; in 1956 they were married
13 and thus began their lifelong adventure together; and
14 WHEREAS, as a military wife, Pat and their children, Terry, Julie, and Jay Jr., would
15 "see the world"; with Jerry's many deployments and numerous duty stations in Alabama,
16 California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Nebraska, and Washington DC, Pat was the "glue" that
17 kept the family together and on track through the difficulties of different schools and new
18 friends, and all the while still remaining connected to relatives back in Jefferson Davis
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1 Parish; and
2 WHEREAS, Pat did it all with such style and grace; she was empathetic to the
3 feelings of others, often overlooking their shortcomings and frailties; she was the genuine
4 article; she was kind, courageous, and a quick wit; she was an angel without wings; and
5 WHEREAS, with Jerry's retirement from the military, they returned to Jennings in
6 1974 to begin a new chapter in their lives; Jerry pursued a livelihood as a partner in Riceland
7 Aviation with Pat as the office manager; and
8 WHEREAS, home again in Jennings, the children grew quickly as accomplished
9 scholars, and Pat had time to devote to social activities and pastimes; as the daughter of a
10 librarian, Pat was an avid reader, consuming whole tomes in a single sitting; she was a
11 member of the Entre Nous luncheon group and the Thursday Coffee Club; she also served
12 in the Ladies Altar Society of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church; and
13 WHEREAS, their home was the center of bustling activity where Pat welcomed
14 friends and family with flair, and created a congenial atmosphere of fun and fellowship
15 found only in a loving, boisterous family; and
16 WHEREAS, Pat became an avid campaigner when her husband ran for elected office
17 in the Louisiana Legislature in 1991; and
18 WHEREAS, the Theunissens were a fixture at the state capitol during his legislative
19 service, from 1992 until 2008, which included terms in both the House of Representatives
20 and the Senate; Pat accompanied Jerry to the legislature and acted as an advisor who offered
21 thoughtful discourse about the complex issues at hand; and
22 WHEREAS, known as Pat Pat to her grandchildren, she instilled in them her love of
23 reading and scholarship, her yearning for adventure and travel, and her infinite affection; and
24 WHEREAS, the spirit of Pat Theunissen lives on through the lives of her loving
25 husband of sixty-one years, Jerry; their three children, Terry T. Persac, Julie T. McDonald,
26 and Jay; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, extended family and all who knew
27 her and benefitted from her humanity; and
28 WHEREAS, Pat Theunissen leaves a legacy of life experience and good works,
29 epitomized by the strength of southern womanhood, fulfilled by a personal commitment to
30 savor life to its fullest, and pledged to uphold a sacred trust to give back to others much more
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1 than she had received.
2 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
3 does hereby express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a beloved individual,
4 Patricia R. Theunissen, and does hereby express special condolences to her husband, former
5 senator, Gerald J. "Jerry" Theunissen, our longtime friend and colleague.
6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
7 hereby celebrate the extraordinary life forged by Pat Theunissen; a life filled with
8 compassion and joie de vivre.
9 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
10 Honorable Jerry Theunissen and his family.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Susan P. Montague.
DIGEST
SR 40 Original 2018 Regular Session Morrish
Expresses condolences upon the death of Mrs. Patricia Theunissen of Jennings.
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