Marie Berken

It is with great sadness that the family of Marie Thevis Berken, announces her passing at the age of 87.

Devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, community leader, faithful church member and friend. Marie was born February 19, 1938, in Rayne, LA, to Peter Jacob Thevis and Mary Veronica Reiners Thevis. She graduated from Saint Michael High School in 1956. She then married the late Vincent Joseph Berken on October 24, 1956. They had six beautiful children together. Together, they built a life and legacy that will be forever cherished.

Marie had a fulfilled life that she was proud of. Over the years, she was a member of many organizations. She served as a member of the Jeff Davis Parish Fair Board for over 20 years, serving as treasurer and one of the superintendents of the adult culinary department for the Jeff Davis Paris Fair. She had a membership in numerous organizations including: the Jeff Davis Homestead Volunteers for Family and Community, serving as president. She also was president of the VFC Council and Vice President of Programs for VFC, member of Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community, Jeff Davis Business Alliance, American Legion Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary Pink Ladies.

She also served memberships in the Scholarship Chairman of Pink Ladies, member of Louisiana Rice Growers Association, American Rice Inc., Louisiana Soybean Association, Louisiana Sheriffs Association, VFW Member, VFW Ladies Auxiliary 3686, Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, Jeff Davis Rice Growers Association, Jeff Davis Farm Bureau, and Thornwell Warehouse.

Through these memberships, she was able to participate and present various activities ranging from presenting cake decorating classes, cross stitching, to judging cooking contest and sewing contests. Serving on different boards allowed her to travel internationally, enjoying life what she loved doing. She was also named outstanding FCE member numerous times, new homemaker, distinguished homemaker awards, and the continuing excellent award.

Marie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She served on the diocese and Parish Church Council. She was a minister of communion, a member of the Ladies Altar Society where she served as president at one point. She was also a lecturer, choir member and CCD teacher. Lastly, she was a lifetime member of the Roberts Cove Altar Society.

A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church on Saturday November 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., with Father Keith Pellerin officiating.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects to Marie on Friday October 31, 2025, from 2:30 PM until 9:00 PM, in the Miguez Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings, LA. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM that day. Visitation will resume the following day from 8:00 AM until the time to depart for Mass at 11:00 AM.

She will be laid to rest in the Calvary Mausoleum under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Marie leaves behind a legacy of love through her cherished children: son, John (Virginia) Berken and daughters, Debbie (Jude) Clement, Judy (Bryant) Fletcher, Sharon (Ed) Cassiere, and Elaine (Jason) Quebedeaux. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Mark Vail, and a host of loving grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her heart: Shannon (Deidre) Clement, Chad Clement, Ryan (Megan) Clement, Lana (Jerratt) Trahan, Jared (Amber) Fletcher, Kerri (Nick) Daigle, Brandon (Danielle) Vail, Kristie (Matthew) Shultz, Allison (Levon) Kimmons, Katrina (Campbell) Cassiere, Amy Cassiere, Camille (Brian) Landry, Joel Berken, Blaine (Cheyenne) Berken, and Carson Quebedeaux; and 21 great grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Berken; parents, Peter Jacob Thevis and Mary Veronica Thevis; daugther, Mary Vail; sisters, Betty Reiners, Kathleen Hoffpauir; brother, Wilbert Thevis, Sr.; and her great grandchild, Brant Tyler.

In the spirit of Marie's life, we invite all to celebrate the love she shared and the joy she brought to our lives. We remember her dedication to family, her warm laughter, and the way she illuminated every room she entered. May her memory inspire us to embrace life with love and gratitude, just as she did.

The family of Marie would like to express their appreciation to Sage Oak in Lake Charles and Amedysis Hospice for their love and care they have given to her.