We were saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Blanco served as Louisiana's 54th and only female Governor. She demonstrated her spirit, perseverance, and willingness to face adversity by guiding the state's recovery efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. One of the University's most distinguished alumni, Blanco was also a dear friend of Dr. Gaines and his wife and served as a member of the Gaines Center Board of Directors. The Gaines Center extends its deepest sympathies to Kathleen Blanco's family and friends. Funeral services are as follows:
A Celebration of Life-Interfaith Service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, La. Afterwards, she will lie in state for public visitation in the Rotunda of the Louisiana State Capitol between 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Public visitation continues on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Lafayette, La. between 12:30 – 8 p.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral Church Hall. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 3 p.m. and a prayer service will take place between 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Saturday morning between 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., before processing to the Cathedral for a Mass of Christian Burial, beginning at 10:30 a.m.