The Gonzales Garden Club recently lost a pillar of their membership. Myra Mire’s obituary began “Palmyra ‘Myra’ Savoy Mire, a native of St. Amant and resident of Gonzales, entered eternal rest on February 19, 2022 at the age of 90.” She was in the Gonzales Garden Club for 33 years. She served as club president from 1999-2001 and was inducted into the Louisiana Garden Club Federation Circle of Roses in 2012. Members are deeply saddened by her sudden passing and came together to remember her.
Janis Poche lamented, “She sat at my table at the December meeting; she and I had a good visit. I certainly didn’t know it would be our last. She will be missed. A very gracious lady.”
Rita Bourque noted, “Myra and I have been friends for a lot of years, and bonded during [our husbands’] illnesses. I will miss her.”
Patti Mouton appreciated that Myra was one of the first ladies she met at her first garden club meeting. “In Ms. Lorraine’s kitchen, Myra made a point to introduce herself, welcome me into the club and get to know me. She was known for her wise guidance in club policy and generous praise for members working to better the club. Myra was always very kind to me through the years.”
Conchita Richey reminisced, “For 21 years she sat at my table as a member of the yearbook committee. When she moved to Associate Member, I asked her to please stay on the committee. So even as an Associate, she was still working for the club. I will miss her dearly.”
Jamie Trisler recounted how she got to know Myra at yearbook committee meetings each summer. “Her wisdom gained my respect and her stories about the club were rich. The twinkle in her eye revealed much about her spunk. I too will miss her.”
Janis D’Benedetto said, “This friend was an amazing woman; she was a top-notch educator. She knew her gardening stuff like no other. We will feel the loss of our friend for years to come. She is at peace now.”
Cynthia Cagnolatti expressed her fondness of Myra saying, “I will always think of Ms. Myra as the Chicken Salad Queen! She made the best, and I think of it often. I loved it! She was always dressed so neatly and looked beautiful at all times. She wore glasses her whole life, but when she took a picture she would take them off. Always wanting to look her best! She will be sadly missed as a garden club member and a treasured Citizen of our City!”
Myra was Marilyn Rice’s dearest friend. “When we became friends, I always went to her to know someone’s name or who they were married to. She knew everyone. She introduced me to the club in the 1990’s. We loved traveling together. Our best trip was to England and the Chelsea Flower Show. I remember this like yesterday. I have such a hole in my heart right now. She was one of the best friends of my life. An honor to have known her. I will miss my ‘Big Sis’ as I called her. Curt and I will miss her so much. She was a real good friend and the best of people.”
The garden club made a donation to the Myra Mire Memorial Fund of the East Ascension High School Excellence in Aesthetics Fundraising Campaign. Her Spartan spirit and garden club loyalty live on.
