EUNICE~It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary Catherine “Bobbie” Kolander Thibodeaux announces her passing on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Crowley at the age of 92. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice. Entombment will follow in the St. Paul Mausoleum.

Bobbie, born on August 31, 1933, in China, Texas, was a treasured daughter of the late Eddie and Marguerite Robinson Kolander. She was a beloved member of her community and dedicated parishioner at St. Anthony Catholic Church. She cherished her role as a Eucharistic Minister and found solace in her regular visits to the Adoration Chapel. Bobbie's love of life was evident in her passions—gardening, reading, and sharing joyful times with her friends over games of Bourré. Her heart sang at George Strait concerts and during her travels to the Great Smoky Mountains and Branson, MO, she found beauty and adventure. She was also a devoted Elvis fan, finding joy in listening to his music and watching his movies. Her legacy is one of faith, friendship, and a spirit that embraced life's simple joys.

A loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Bobbie will be missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her daughters, Debra Thibodeaux of Eunice and Darla Thibodeaux of Baton Rouge; sister, Margaret Ann Kolander Higginbotham of China, TX; daughter in laws, Belinda Thibodeaux Guillory and husband, David of Eunice, and Jackie Thibodeaux of Eunice; five grandchildren, Alicia Soileau and husband, Zac, Jeremy Thibodeaux, Brandon Thibodeaux, Kristina Thibodeaux, and Jacob Thibodeaux and wife, Corrin; seven great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonce “Pip” Thibodeaux; her parents; sons, Dwaine Thibodeaux and Bart Thibodeaux; and brother, James Kolander and wife, Yvonne.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, July 28th from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and again on Wednesday, July 29th from 8:00 am until time of services. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Donate online at: www.stjude.org/, by phone: (800) 822-6344, or by mailing address: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457-3371 is in charge of arrangements.