2015 Krewe of Des Allemands Grand Marshals

Linda Brien and Barbara Matherne

When you see the Krewe of Des Allemands grand marshal, you might think you’re seeing double. But, in fact, this year’s honoree is two people.

“We had no clue, they just asked us,” Co-Grand Marshal Linda Brien said.

Brien and her sister, Barbara Matherne, were both selected to serve as this year’s grand marshals for the Krewe of Des Allemands. The two widows have been a part of the parade since it went past their mother’s house, and today, Matherne said it passes in front of her house.

Both Brien and Matherne worked in St. Charles Parish. Matherne retired from the School Board, while Brien retired from the hospital. Up until last year, Brien served the community as a part of the Community Health Center in Luling.

The two are natives, but life has periodically taken them in different directions. Matherne said she left the area for a few years while her husband was in the military.

Her husband passed away in 2002. Matherne has a son and two grandchildren, one of whom will be joining her in the parade as a member of the Hahnville High School marching band.

Brien became a widow in 2007, after her husband of 43 years passed. Brien has three children and six grandchildren, all of whom worked together to keep their mother and grandmother’s announcement a secret.

“I can’t believe my daughter kept her mouth shut that long,” laughs Brien.

The two look forward to marching in the parade that they both say has gotten bigger every year.

 

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