Bonita Jean Ogea

Bonita Jean Galbraith Ogea, better known and loved as Bunny, passed away about 10:45 pm, on April 4, 2022, in her residence.

Mrs. Ogea was born on April 21, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana on Easter Sunday; hence her nickname “Bunny”. Her family moved several times and settled in Lake Charles during her grade school years.

She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1964 and attended McNeese State University for a time. She set aside her interests in archeology when she married and became a mother. She had various jobs over the years such as a clerking in banks and stores. Following the death of her second husband she became a full-time educator working at Brentwood Elementary School in the tutorial program until her retirement. 

Everyone who knows her well will remember her as a loving, kind, and caring person who loved to help others as much as she was able. Although she had many difficult days herself, she was always mindful that others were worse off than she and therefore always thankful.

She enjoyed flowers and gardening but was often hampered in that pursuit by health and other events in life. Other creative outlets she had over the years included string art, jewelry making, candy and candy wreath making, along with crocheting just to name a few.

Ms. Bunny will also be remembered for her love of collecting things: seashells, stamps, bells, angels, and movies—she had a vast collection of films that she never minded lending out.

Her family was very important to her and she dedicated herself to loving and caring for them. Those left to cherish her memory are daughters: Cynthia Smith and husband Steve (Pearland, Texas) and Melissa Ogea (Lake Charles); Grandchildren: Ann-Marie Ogea (more like a daughter than a grand-daughter; of Lake Charles) Joshua Smith and wife Sarah, Caleb Smith, Christopher Smith, Hannah Smith, Timothy Smith, Heidi Smith, Jaycen Smith (all presently reside in Texas), and Kari Ogea (Lake Charles); Sister: Rita Louise Young and husband Don (Spring Texas); and Sister-in-law: Linda Galbraith (South Lake, Texas).

Those preceding her in death were her parents: Travis Erby Galbraith, and Florice Maxine Jones Galbraith; her late husband: Terry Wayne Ogea; and her brother: Bruce Ira Galbraith.

Her burial and memorial service will be attended privately by family and close friends.

The family wishes to thank all her doctors and nurses who have attended to her including her personal physicians, those at St. Patrick’s, those at Rosewood Rehabilitation Facility, and most recently those at Heart of Hospice.

Thanks goes also to Johnson’s Funeral Home in helping the family maneuver through this last aspect of celebrating her life. She will be missed!

Psalm 48:14: “For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.”

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…”

Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”