Parishioner celebrates jubilee as Mardi Gras queen

DIAMOND EVENT Junie Bordelon recently celebrated her diamond jubilee as Mardi Gras Romany Queen in New Orleans. Courtesy of Ms. Junie Bordelon

DIAMOND EVENT Junie Bordelon recently celebrated her diamond jubilee as Mardi Gras Romany Queen in New Orleans. Courtesy of Ms. Junie Bordelon

Junie Baudin Bordelon, a parishioner at Holy Cross Church in Pigeon Forge, has celebrated the diamond jubilee of her selection as Mardi Gras Romany Queen in New Orleans.

A native of Louisiana, Mrs. Bordelon attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge and LSU, where she was selected as the 1954 Queen of Mardi Gras. St. Joseph’s Academy has recognized Mrs. Bordelon’s contributions, naming her an outstanding alumna and honoring her with a portrait hanging in the academy.

Bishop Richard F. Stika sent salutations to Mrs. Bordelon on her diamond jubilee, writing to her that “Everyone makes a living by what they get, but only a limited few make a life by what they give, whether time or efforts to volunteer service. Giving makes you rich.”

Mrs. Bordelon and her husband of 57 years, Whitey, retired in 1993 to Sevier County, where they have been active at Holy Cross as well as community organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Knights of Columbus, American Eagle Foundation, Relay for Life, Paralyzed Veterans, and programs to feed those in need.

Mrs. Bordelon said she is steadfast in her efforts to promote growth at Holy Cross, noting that “I have done no great things in life, only small things with love.”

“Mardi Gras ends Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Lent begins the next day. In this Lenten season, may we each strive to share our lives with others, which is a good idea to practice during the 40 days of penance as we are taught to do,” she said.

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