Small Group shares life of local journalist

    A small group of mourners gathered in the shade of a few oaks at Holy Family Cemetery on Nov. 30, where we were met by Deacon Wade Broussard who is cemetery and mausoleum manager.

Presently, a casket containing the remains of Corinne Peace was wheeled in by members of Pellerin Funeral Home. Deacon Broussard rendered an excellent service and, since very little was known about the deceased, he asked those present if they would like to say something about her.

Short, interesting accounts were given by Janet Mestayer, Grace Buteau, John Berard, Joe D. Norton, Carolyn M. Henry and myself. At the end of the service, Deacon Broussard looked at me and said, “Ms. Peace is being buried in a special location near the Stairway to Heaven statue.” The thought that came to my mind was she deserved it all.

It was several years ago when I was one of those involved in a book-signing program at the Iberia Parish main library. A rather small, neatly dressed lady, with a lovely smile came directly to my table and said, “Hi Morris! This is Corinne Peace.”

I was delighted, for I hadn’t seen her in more than six decades, and that was a time when we both were aspiring writers and historians. I was cognizant, however, she was a literate lady who made great contributions to Louisiana history. I also knew she wrote a column for the Morgan City Review, was identified with the Louisiana Press Women’s Association, tourism and the media in general.

After this exciting meeting, we kept in touch by telephone and I learned a lot about her. She had found a retirement haven of her liking at the St. Katherine Drexel Manor in Loreauville. She loved the environment and history of the area and was enthusiastic about writing about it all. She enjoyed writing her monthly column for The Daily Iberian. In our last phone conversation, she told me she had fallen and broken her arm, but was in good spirits and laughed it off. Unfortunately, she died shortly thereafter.

Since people in the area knew very little about this fine lady, I felt a responsibility to reveal some of her amazing lifetime accomplishments. I succeeded in acquiring a wealth of information about Corinne through Roland Stansbury at the Young-Sanders Center in Franklin who received the information from Carmen Duhamel of Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Center in Morgan City.

Corinne Peace was dynamic as a journalist, leader of professional historical groups, and a promoter of Louisiana places and things. She was assistant editor of the Morgan City Review (1946-1962); writer of features and news for the Lake Charles American Press (1962-1982); executive director of the Atchafalaya Delta Tourist Commission, Morgan City (1982-1986); a winner of various state journalist awards; listed in “Who’s Who of American Women” in 1972-1973; founder of the Gingham Ladies Auxiliary civic service group in Lake Charles; served two terms as president of Southwest Historical Association; was active in Little Theatre, ballet, art and many other associations. At one time, she was also food editor of a Florida newspaper.

As her career expanded, her education expanded as well. She received a major in English at McNeese State University, and studied French culture at L’Institut Catholique in Paris, France. She was a guest of the French government in 1977 and later the Belgian government. She covered the Vietnamese Peace Talks in Paris, and was guest of the Quebec government in 1978 where she covered an anniversary celebration.

Apparently Corinne’s first love was the Louisiana Press Women Inc. She not only served as state president, but also chaired the National Federation of Press Women in New Orleans in 1970. In 1976, she received a prestigious honor when she was named “Louisiana Press Woman of the Year.” I guess her activities and accomplishments could fill a book for she was interested in everything and excelled in everything she did.

Information as to Corinne’s personal life and finances was rather vague and conflicting. We do know she was an only child born in Morgan City and died at the age of 83. Not knowing her financial status or family, Holy Family generously took care of the burial. Deacon Broussard told me he hoped a headstone would be erected. I felt it would be nice if some of us would help with contributions in this regard. Please send your donation to Holy Family Cemetery and Mausoleums, “Peace Headstone Memorial”, P.O. Box 9519, New Iberia, LA 70562.

In conclusion to this lengthy item, I’d like to take a part of Corinne Peace’s name and say, “May she rest in Peace.”

I am the author of 13 books and since I’ve aged so much and become somewhat decrepit, I am not able to travel and market my books as I had done years ago. However, this past Christmas season I hit on a bonanza as area businesses ordered dozens of my books. Also, a New Iberia gentleman ordered all of my books autographed to his wife as a Christmas gift. I don’t know if he realized it or not, but it was also a gift for me.”

New Year resolutions are probably meant for younger people. Senior citizens are more or less set in their ways going through the same routines year in and year out. But I’d like to make a prediction. Before this year expires, our government will initiate the greatest reforestation program in its history.

Unfortunately, hundreds of square miles of trees and greenery have been destroyed by hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, ice storms and floods. I feel our nation will lead the world in combating earth warming by clearing the devastated lands and replanting. This God-given earth needs our help.

In closing, I wish all of you the best for this year and for years to come.

MORRIS RAPHAEL is a local author and a retired engineer.