Janice Chênevert Melcher, Alexandria
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral with the Reverend Father Luke Melcher officiating, accompanied by Priests and Seminarians of the Diocese of Alexandria. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Deville.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Vigil and the recitation of Holy Rosary at 6:30 PM.
Pallbearers honored to serve are Reagan T. Chênevert (nephew), Mark Cosenza (brother-in-law), Scott Babin, Mark Baden, Bart Allman, and Lewis Charles “Beau” Edwards.
Janice Chênevert Melcher was born April 26, 1954 to the late Ralph and Lucille François Chênevert in Alexandria and passed from this life on June 18, 2021 at her home in Deville after having received the last Sacraments from the hand of her son, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 67.
Mrs. Melcher was a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria, where she was baptized. She attended St. Francis Cabrini Elementary School and graduated from Alexandria Senior High School. As a youth, Mrs. Melcher attended St. Francis Cabrini Church, where she received her first Holy Communion, was confirmed, and was married.
Mrs. Melcher was primarily a homemaker, who thoughtfully prepared a warm and beautiful home for her husband and children and celebrated all manner of holidays and special events for her family with extraordinary love and devotion. She managed the family’s rental properties and cared for her aged mother and father. Mrs. Melcher and her husband were inseparable, appreciating each other and what they had built together, frequently recreating outdoors, traveling to many international destinations, and sharing the joys and sorrows that only soulmates know. As a mother, she dutifully directed the religious and moral formation of her two sons, graciously provided for all their needs, and remained a quiet support for them until the end.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Clarence Melcher; sons, Dr. Steven Melcher and wife, Alanna and the Rev. Fr. Luke Melcher; brothers, Douglas Chênevert and wife, Diane and Michael Chênevert and wife, Melonie and many other family members and friends.
The Melcher Family wishes to express gratitude to Rapides Regional Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospice, who compassionately cared for Mrs. Melcher in her final days, the local community for reaching out to the family during this time of need, the pastors and parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for their resourcefulness and kindness. The family is very appreciative of the many Masses offered in intercession and prayerful support poured out from all the corners of the world.