Obituary

June Marie Hendrick, age 94, was called to the Lord on the feast of the Sacred Heart, Friday, June 16, 2023. She died peacefully at home. She was a devout Catholic, a loving wife and mother, a faithful friend and a caregiver for so many. She loved being surrounded by family – especially all of her many grandchildren and great-grandbabies over the years – and was the ultimate maternal figure.

June was the beloved wife of the late Russell F. Hendrick for 70 years. She was the loving mother of seven children, Barbara Borden (George), Russell G. “Jerry” Hendrick Sr. (Melanie), Lynn DeMelo (Johnny), Suzanne Ritchie (Steve), Janet Burckel (Wayne), June Hurst (Bobby), and Joan Montreuil (Eddie). She was the proud grandmother of 36 grandchildren, Theresa Heraty (Pat), Brad Borden (Ana), Ben Borden (Cyd), Adam Borden; Kristie Graham (Rob), Russell Hendrick Jr. (Dane), Chad Hendrick, Ann Marie Boyd (Brad); Jenny Maura (Juan Andres), Jessie Book (David), Jason DeMelo (Frankie), Nathan DeMelo (Theresa), Timmy DeMelo (Marni), Josh DeMelo, Daniel DeMelo; Austin Ritchie (Rhiannon), Jordan Ritchie (Olivia); Melissa Stiebing (Bruce), Victoria Acosta (Javier), Wayne Burckel (Carmen), Sarah Reynolds (Brandon); Monique Cullen (David), Eddie Montreuil (Corina), Tiffany Blanchette (André), Rebecca Baxley (Billy), Rachel Kernan (Jarred), Justin Montreuil (Sarah), Laura Montreuil, Nick Montreuil (Sarah), Scott Montreuil, Cecile Montreuil; Matt Malbrough, Melissa Gravois (Alex), Dylan Malbrough, Mary Beth Malbrough, Michael Malbrough; and the great-grandmother of 71 great-grandchildren with one more on the way this year, so far. She was the sister of the late James Villarrubia (Corine), the late Margie Pool (Steve), the late Helen Develle (Roger), her twin Father Jerry Villarrubia (Lee), the late Donald “Dutch” Villarrubia (Yvette) and John Villarrubia (Edie).

Born on June 6, 1929 in New Orleans, Louisiana, June was the daughter of the late Roger Villarrubia and the late Celuda Tete Villarrubia. June graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She and Russell were married November 11, 1950 and shortly after began their family, having seven children in 12 years. They moved from New Orleans to Kenner in 1955, and then Metairie in 1969, where they lived for more than two decades. After Russell’s retirement, they resided for more than 20 years in Covington.

Russell co-founded Short Stop Superette in 1966. While he was working another job to make ends meet, June ran the grocery store with the help of her children and other family members. With June’s cooking — roast beef and hot sausage — the store’s deli soon became a neighborhood lunch spot. And that’s how Short Stop Poboys, now in its 57th year, came to be. Russell went to work full time at Short Stop and June was able to dedicate herself more to the home and family. She also poured herself out as a caregiver, not only of her own children, but to Russell’s parents, sister and uncle.

June and Russell found solace and joy in God’s beautiful creation, especially the mountains. Part of their honeymoon was spent in the Great Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After many family trips to the Smokies, they built a chalet there. Villa Tavia, as it was named, was their home away from home and a beloved treasure that they shared with their children and grandchildren, extended family and many friends. Coming from a big family, she thrived being with her six siblings and their spouses and families as well as her close circle of friends. In their later years, they traveled together throughout the United States, including Alaska, and Canada as well as to Lourdes, France and Rome, Italy.

She was a long-time parishioner of St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church in Kenner and St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington. For many years, she attended an annual retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, Louisiana. In the last years of her life, the televised daily Mass, the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN Catholic television were highlights of her day.

June was a humble woman of God, attending daily Mass as often as she could and dedicating herself to prayer and spiritual friendships, especially with her long-time prayer group ladies and the Teresian sisters. Her love of God and trust in Him gave her the grace to face the challenges of life with patience and perseverance. She constantly thanked Jesus for all her blessings. And she always sought to share all she’d been given with others – especially her faith. She was known for her good counsel and joy.

Just as from the Lord’s table she drew strength, at the table in her own home she sought to nourish her loved ones with hearty Sunday dinners, festive holiday celebrations and her constant attentiveness. She cherished her family deeply until her very last days. Her memory will live on in each of their hearts forever and her soul is now entrusted to God’s infinite love and mercy for eternity.

The family would like to thank all of her many caregivers for their loving kindness, friendship and care for June. Special thanks to Theresa, Beth, Brenda, Jan, Rose and Cindy. Also, many thanks to St. Tammany Hospice Staff for their service.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass at Saint Peter Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on June 22nd at 10:30 AM with visitation until 12 PM when the funeral Mass will begin. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA. 70435. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, the Dementia Society of America and/or EWTN Global Catholic Network. Please share a memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.