Amelia Mary Dugas OFS, 85, was called home to be with our LORD, September 14, 2021. Amelia was born in North Dakota, May 21, 1936, the 5th child born to William J. and Amelia (Fassel) Kirby.
Amelia spent her early years raised with a solid Christian foundation in a farm life setting along with her 3 brothers; Bill, Edward & Patrick Kirby & her 2 sister Eileen and Rosemary Kirby. As a child Amelia learned many skills but most enjoyed working closely with her father on projects around the house and the farm. She rather enjoyed their fishing excursions’ as well, a hobby she continued later in life with her husband Clarence.
Amelia left home at an early age in pursuit of her education & further knowledge of her faith. She was an intelligent, well educated individual securing a life long career in nursing & in the medical profession. She met & married her husband, Clarence James Dugas in 1964 in Oregon. They later moved to Louisiana before settling in Orange, Texas where Clarence owned & operated multiple businesses & Amelia cared for the people of Southeast Texas through the various positions she held with many hospitals, clinics within the Southeast Texas area over the years. At one point she traveled to Haiti for medical missionary work caring for & healing the people of that region. Amelia also traveled to Israel & Rome where she visited many biblical sites & further enhanced her knowledge of her faith. In 1988 she joined the Franciscan order. Throughout her 35 years of Franciscan Life she flourished in her faith as well as her personal spiritual growth. Amelia was truly devoted to her faith throughout her life time & found great pleasure in her ability to visualize the places referenced in her prayers & biblical studies after visiting Israel and Rome. She enjoyed going to daily Mass, helping the Church & doing GOD’s work.
Amelia Mary Dugas OFS was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Clarence. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved and cared for her.
A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m., at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur. The Celebrant will be Father David Edwards. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Orange
Condolences
Sheila Jones
September 25, 2021
Mary was a very strong woman in her life and faith. She was a wonderful woman who shared her love of God with everyone she met and encouraged them to get to know Him on a personal level. She lived a very humble life and her main goal was to live a life that would let her eventually be in heaven with her Lord. I can’t help but believe she’s where she’s always wanted to be; God bless and keep her close!
Paula Kanesaw Ofs
September 23, 2021
Mary was processed a Secular Franciscan in 1988. She served the St. Francis and St. Clare Fraternity for 33 years. OFS Order of Francisco and Secular is located in Port Arthur and part of The Joan of Arc Region. Call 4095494023 for more information.