Oneida Mae Bourgeois, 90, of Kahoka, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the Clark County Nursing Home.
She was born October 7, 1933 in the daughter of Joseph Stafford and Margaret Alice Smith Walker.
Oneida graduated from Williamstown High School.
She was united in marriage to Wayne Bourgeois on May 19, 1951 in Kahoka, where they made their home and raised their family. He preceded her in death on January 22, 2010.
Oneida was the epitome of a true farmer's wife, working alongside her husband on the family farm. She was also a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Kahoka, where her faith was a guiding light in her life.
A gifted cook, Oneida's kitchen was a place of warmth and abundance, where the aroma of her culinary creations welcomed all who entered. From hearty country breakfasts to homemade pies that melted in your mouth.
But it wasn't just in the kitchen where Oneida showcased her talents. With nimble fingers and a creative spirit, she transformed scraps of fabric into works of art. As a gifted quilter, she poured her heart and soul into every stitch, creating quilts that were not just blankets, but expressions of love and affection. Each grandchild was gifted a handmade quilt upon their marriage, a tangible reminder of her love.
She is survived by a son, Wendel Bourgeois and his significant other Deon Norris of Kahoka, MO, one daughter, Lynn Palazzo (Dennis) of Oquawka, IL, daughter-in-law, Janet Bourgeois of Kahoka, MO, five grandchildren, Bethany Wiemann and her husband Cody and her son Brody; Jeremy Bourgeois and his wife Miranda and their children Erika, Aidan, and Avery; Joshua Bourgeois and his wife Nikki and their children Isabel and Adalyn; Lacy McCormick and her husband Shawn and their children, Kylee, Emmalee, Ivy, Willa, Luke and Violet; and Brandon Bourgeois and his wife Korie and their children, Piper and Blake, step-grandchildren, Marie Spence and her husband Kraig; Chris Plant and his wife Dena and their children, Olivia and William; Aaron Palazzo; and Keri Burns and her husband Tim and her children Missy, Ebony and Lexy; Scott Norris and his wife Beth and their children Cooper, Zadie and Everett; Ashley Norris and Nathan and their children Rayne and Wade; and two great great grandchildren Gabby and Theo and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband she was also preceded in death by her parents, step-father Albert Snider and two sons, Ronald in infancy and Benny Bourgeois and a sister, Mary Lynn Lillard.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka. Burial will be in the Kahoka Cemetery.
Visitation will be held after 1 p.m. Friday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka with the family meeting with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or to Shepherds Staff.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
