Yvonne "Sunny" Voelker Gaude's Obituary
Yvonne “Sunny” Voelker Gaude was born on September 25, 1930, and went to her heavenly home on October 17, 2025, at the age of 95. Sunny is survived by her children: Albert “Rusty” Gaude III (Rosalyn), Gregory Gaude, Colleen Hildebrand, Raymond Gaude (Sharon), and Paul Gaude. With her cheery disposition, Yvonne was given the nickname “Sunny” by her late husband, Dr. Albert “A.P.” Gaude, Jr. Together she and A.P. were blessed with nine grandchildren: Sidonie (William) Goodwin, Nelson Gaude, Carrise Gaude, Benjamin Gaude, Kerry Gaude, Dana (Collin) Pound, Racheal (Daulton) Smithson, Andrew Gaude, and Julia Gaude. Preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Doralee Voelker, her sister Lorraine Faget, and Sunny’s husband Albert Paul Gaude Jr.
In her youth, Sunny’s hobbies included horseback riding and competition, boating, swimming, and modeling. She also loved music and played the violin. Sunny earned a Bachelor of Science from Loyola University and worked for many years as a medical technologist at the Tulane Primate Center. A devoted Catholic, Sunny spent several years teaching CCD and was a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Lake and St. John the Baptist Catholic Parishes. She and A.P. shared a love for ballroom dancing. Sunny was a member of the Krewe of Juno and supported her husband’s involvement in the Krewe’s of Babylon and Olympia. While Dr. Gaude was a founding member of the Metairie Rotary Club, Sunny was an active “Inner Wheels” within the organization.
For forty-plus years, Sunny actively played for the Beau Chene women's tennis team stopping at the age of 88. She was looked up to by younger ladies in the league due to her age and life experiences as a wife, mother, and career woman. Later in life, Sunny became a realtor and sold properties throughout the St. Tammany area. Her endless energy was inspiring to many. When at home, Sunny cooked fabulous meals. Before coming home for a visit, the children would call ahead of their arrival to make sure Mom was going to cook their favorite meal. The core of who she was, was found in her identity in Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sunny was passionate about sharing her faith. Her strong Christian faith is truly a comfort to her family because we know we will see her again!
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers by mail to EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210, by phone at 800-447-EWTN, or online at https://missions.ewtn.com.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 11345 St. John Church Road, Folsom, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. A reception with family and friends will be held following mass also at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Everlasting interment will be held privately at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Gaude’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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