Linda Clare Gabrich Bourgeois

Lifelong Biloxian, Linda Clare Gabrich Bourgeois, 82, was finally rejoined with her deceased loved ones and Creator on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Linda was surrounded by her immediate family when she peacefully passed away at her Biloxi home. Linda’s large extended family and friends were supportive and present in her final days.

Linda was born December 9, 1941, “two days after Pearl Harbor.” She is the daughter of former Biloxi Chief of Police, Alonzo Gabrich and Vetsie Sekul Gabrich. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and was a member of the Sacred Heart Kilty Band. Following graduation, she attended Perkinston Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. While in high school, she also attended Star Modeling Studios in New Orleans. She was employed with Civil Service at Keesler Hospital for many years in the Pathology Department with the 81st Medical Group. Linda also worked at the National Guard Armory, a job her children enjoyed visiting. She worked with Father Cleary as the administrative assistant of the Blessing of the Fleet in Biloxi for many years. After retiring, she was a longtime volunteer with a Quality Hospice of the Gulf Coast and was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Linda also did various volunteer work, and especially enjoyed dancing for many years with the Swinging Starlets. Linda loved her Church, Nativity B.V.M., and church community as she sang in the choir for over thirty years, served as a lector, and as an extraordinary minister. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and in her home every May hosted a May Crowning with family and friends. Linda cherished her Croatian heritage and embraced all the traditions. She was a member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary, since she was 18. During her membership she held every office except treasurer. She was a proud senior member of the Sekul Croatian Dance Troupe, started by her aunt, Jackie Gilich. Linda continued the Croatian traditions in her baking and cooking skills, which included making fingers, pusharatas, and hrustala. One of her greatest pleasures was family meals and fellowship with the extended Sekul family. She loved to dance and could be found cutting a rug at one of the many clubs on the Gulf Coast. Linda was larger than life and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank all of her doctors, especially Dr. Muhamad Zayed, and Dr. Cory Carter for their time and close attention to her healthcare needs.

She is preceded in death by her parents, former Chief of Police, Alonzo Gabrich and Vetsie Sekul Gabrich; brother, Lonnie; her husband, former Biloxi Police Department Captain, Leroy Bourgeois; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her children, LeLinda Bourgeois and John Bourgeois (Amber); grandchildren, Anna-Clare, John Joseph, and Andrew Bourgeois; and her “grand-dog,” Shadow. She also leaves behind a large extended family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Nativity B.V.M Cathedral. Friends are invited to visit from 9:30 am to 11 am. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

If so inclined, the family asks that you donate to your local animal shelter. Linda's children would also like to thank the unwavering support, love, and friendship that her cousin, Susie Bass, has shown to her over the years.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to server the family of Linda Clare Gabrich Bourgeois.