A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette for Mildred “Millie” Savoie Sturlese, who passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the age of 98. Visitation will be held at Martin & Castille Funeral Home Downtown on Thursday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m., with a Rosary prayed at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, May 23, at 8 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist until the time of the funeral Mass.
Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will officiate the Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Entombment will follow in the Chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum at St. John Cemetery.
Millie was born on Nov. 6, 1926, in Creole, and lived a long, full life marked by faith, family, and a quiet strength that anchored those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend – known for her warm heart and gentle wit. She loved a good game of bridge and rarely missed Bingo night at the Petroleum Club, especially when joined by her grandchildren. A proud world traveler, Millie cherished new places and experiences – always returning with stories and souvenirs. She took great joy in gathering with friends and family at Lafayette’s longtime favorite restaurants. She and Adam shared a love for classic country music, often filling their home and hearts with its familiar melodies. She was deeply loved and doted on by Adam, and after many years apart, she couldn’t wait to be by his side again.
For decades, she hosted large Christmas dinners for the entire family, cooking with care and love until well into her ‘90s. The day always ended the same way – with Millie stepping outside, whip in hand, cracking it with a grin as the grandkids gathered around to watch. She was also famously competitive, known for holding the undefeated family title in leg wrestling well into her later years.
She is survived by her children: Richard (Linda) Sturlese, Mona (Rand) Sturlese Turner, Donna (Pat) Sturlese McDonald, David (Sharon) Sturlese, and Kathryn (Ferdie) Sturlese Dupuis. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Bob Heflin, husband of her late daughter Trudy Sturlese Heflin.
Millie was blessed with a large and loving family, including 16 grandchildren: Chantell (Chris) Hebert, Kimberly (Jay) Seymour, Nicole (Troy) Arabie, Heather (Mike) Loessberg, Scott Guidry, Adam (Cathy) Turner, Liz (Mike) Henry, Trey (Skylar) Turner, Katie (Mike) Trahan, Nick McDonald, Hunter (Sarah) Sturlese, Adam (Anna Claire) Sturlese, Anna (Dan) Duhon, Kristen Fabacher and her late husband Luke, Trey (Ashley) Dupuis, Will Dupuis, and step-granddaughter Lindsey Dupuis (Ben) Bledsoe.
Millie also leaves behind 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren – all of whom brought her great pride and joy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Sturlese; her daughter, Trudy Sturlese Heflin; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James B. (Myrtle LaBove) Savoie; her brothers Lynn, Rupert, Herbert L., and James R. “Sono” Savoie; and her sisters Olga S. Mudd, Marie S. Donahue, and Lorraine S. Benoit.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caretakers – Pat Thomas, Katina Arvie, Shannon Arvie, and Towanna Charles – whose compassion and companionship brought comfort and dignity to Millie’s later years. They would also like to recognize the many others who helped care for her with kindness and respect throughout her long and meaningful life.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Scott Guidry, Adam Turner, Trey Turner, Nick McDonald, Hunter Sturlese, Adam Sturlese, Trey Dupuis, and Will Dupuis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Millie Sturlese’ name to the Cathedral-Carmel School Foundation, 848 St. John Street, Lafayette.
Condolences may be shared online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home – Downtown, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, # 337-234-2311.
(Paid Memorial)