Former Legislator Passes Away

A very accomplished woman has died. Sydnie Mae Durand passed away today. Twenty years ago, she became the first woman elected to serve as a State Representative for District 46, after retiring from working in the Lafayette oil industry for 37 years. Durand served in the Louisiana legislature for 16 years. During that time, she served on many committees, and headed up the House Health and Welfare Committee. In 2002, she received the Fleur De Lis Healthcare Leadership Award and the Friend of Physical Therapy Award. She was 77 years old. Pellerin Funeral Home in St. Martinville is handling her arrangements.