Diane M. Breaux

Diane M. Breaux, 81, of Little Rock, passed away June 10 at Baptist Health Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas. Diane was in Broadstairs, a coastal town in the district of east Kent in the United Kingdom, on May 30, 1933, the daughter of the late Nellie Chappele Rice. After graduation from high school, Diane worked as a nanny prior to meeting and marrying a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who was stationed near her home. Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Charles Breaux; her son, Len Charles Breaux; her grandson, Robert Allen Breaux, Jr.; her mother; her sister, Susan Rice Taylor (Fred) and her sister's son, Martin Taylor. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and "MeMe," as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandsons. After marrying and moving to the United States, she became a U.S. citizen, moving to Arkansas. Diane attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1972. She subsequently completed her Master of Nursing Science in 1974. As one of the first advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the state of Arkansas, she was widely known and respected in her role as mentor for many health care professionals who continue her legacy today. Practicing In primary care at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for 30 years, she was beloved by her many patients and co-workers. A strong advocate for providing the best in patient care, she worked tirelessly to improve the health of the veterans she served. She was a longtime member of the Arkansas Nurses Association, American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. A devout Catholic, Diane was a longtime member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Diane is survived by her son Robert Breaux Sr. of Little Rock; grandson, Joseph Breaux of Bryant; granddaughter, Virginia "Gigi" Breaux of Bryant; great-grandsons Hayden and Trylen Breaux and nieces, Carolyn and Angela Taylor of the United Kingdom. A visitation and celebration of Diane's life will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2014, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 501-661-9111. Please share your condolences with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.