2018 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 40
BY SENATORS MORRISH, ALARIO, ALLAIN, APPEL, BARROW, BISHOP,
BOUDREAUX, CARTER, CHABERT, CLAITOR, COLOMB,
CORTEZ, DONAHUE, ERDEY, FANNIN, GATTI, HEWITT, JOHNS,
LAFLEUR, LAMBERT, LONG, LUNEAU, MARTINY, MILKOVICH,
MILLS, MIZELL, MORRELL, PEACOCK, PERRY, PETERSON,
PRICE, RISER, GARY SMITH, JOHN SMITH, TARVER,
THOMPSON, WALSWORTH, WARD AND WHITE
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of Patricia Reaud Theunissen of Jennings, Louisiana, and to celebrate a life
well lived in service to her family, community, and her faith.
WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
has learned of the passing of a great lady and family matriarch, Patricia R. Theunissen on
February 16, 2018; and
WHEREAS, born in 1929 and reared by parents, Jules Reaud and Ruby Marshall
Reaud, Pat grew into a gentlewoman of abundant social grace, effervescence, and generosity
and she led an unselfish life of service to her family; and
WHEREAS, in the 1950s she met and fell in love with a dashing fighter pilot in the
United States Air Force, Lieutenant Gerald Joseph Theunissen; in 1956 they were married
and thus began their lifelong adventure together; and
WHEREAS, as a military wife, Pat and their children, Terry, Julie, and Jay Jr., would
"see the world"; with Jerry's many deployments and numerous duty stations in Alabama,
California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Nebraska, and Washington DC, Pat was the "glue" that
kept the family together and on track through the difficulties of different schools and new
friends, and all the while still remaining connected to relatives back in Jefferson Davis
Parish; and
WHEREAS, Pat did it all with such style and grace; she was empathetic to the
feelings of others, often overlooking their shortcomings and frailties; she was the genuine
article; she was kind, courageous, and a quick wit; she was an angel without wings; and
WHEREAS, with Jerry's retirement from the military, they returned to Jennings in
Page 1 of 3 SR NO. 40 ENROLLED
1974 to begin a new chapter in their lives; Jerry pursued a livelihood as a partner in Riceland
Aviation with Pat as the office manager; and
WHEREAS, home again in Jennings, the children grew quickly as accomplished
scholars, and Pat had time to devote to social activities and pastimes; as the daughter of a
librarian, Pat was an avid reader, consuming whole tomes in a single sitting; she was a
member of the Entre Nous luncheon group and the Thursday Coffee Club; she also served
in the Ladies Altar Society of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, their home was the center of bustling activity where Pat welcomed
friends and family with flair, and created a congenial atmosphere of fun and fellowship
found only in a loving, boisterous family; and
WHEREAS, Pat became an avid campaigner when her husband ran for elected office
in the Louisiana Legislature in 1991; and
WHEREAS, the Theunissens were a fixture at the state capitol during his legislative
service, from 1992 until 2008, which included terms in both the House of Representatives
and the Senate; Pat accompanied Jerry to the legislature and acted as an advisor who offered
thoughtful discourse about the complex issues at hand; and
WHEREAS, known as Pat Pat to her grandchildren, she instilled in them her love of
reading and scholarship, her yearning for adventure and travel, and her infinite affection; and
WHEREAS, the spirit of Pat Theunissen lives on through the lives of her loving
husband of sixty-one years, Jerry; their three children, Terry T. Persac, Julie T. McDonald,
and Jay; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, extended family and all who knew
her and benefitted from her humanity; and
WHEREAS, Pat Theunissen leaves a legacy of life experience and good works,
epitomized by the strength of southern womanhood, fulfilled by a personal commitment to
savor life to its fullest, and pledged to uphold a sacred trust to give back to others much more
than she had received.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a beloved individual,
Patricia R. Theunissen, and does hereby express special condolences to her husband, former
senator, Gerald J. "Jerry" Theunissen, our longtime friend and colleague.
Page 2 of 3 SR NO. 40 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby celebrate the extraordinary life forged by Pat Theunissen; a life filled with
compassion and joie de vivre.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Honorable Jerry Theunissen and his family.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Page 3 of 3