Chermaine Theresa "Chum" Roybiskie (Borne) Obituary (1949 - 2022)

Chermaine Theresa Borne Roybiskie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 10, 1949. The third child of Norman Borne and Olga Pierre Borne, she was baptized into the Catholic faith on September 24, 1949, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, of which she remained a member for all 72 years of her life. She was a graduate of Second Ward High School and received a bachelor's degree in education from Southern University and A&M College. She went on to receive certifications in various areas of education. On July 1, 1972, Chermaine was joined in holy matrimony to Donnie Roybiskie. To this union was born three children: Tamara, Farrah, and Donnie Jr. Chermaine was devoted to her church, teaching religious education, serving as a member of the Altar Society and Ladies Auxiliary, hosting the rosary during the May and October devotions, and preparing the annual feast for Confirmation. Chermaine was a pillar of the community and devoted her life to making the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish the best it could be. She dedicated 35 years to molding the minds of thousands of students at West St. John High School, where she sponsored many classes, along with the cheerleader and pep squad, and sold tickets on Friday nights to those who came to cheer on the Mighty Rams. She may have retired from the school system, but she never retired from teaching (as many of her former students could attest to), continuing to tutor students and provide LEAP and ACT Test help. On February 19, 2016, Chermaine received special recognition from Governor John Bel Edwards for her dedicated service to education. Chermaine was a fierce advocate for the West Bank. Her community involvement included being a founding member of Wantu Wazuri Civic and Social Club, a founding member and longtime president of the West St. John Civic Association, a member of the West St. John Stakeholders, the West St. John Band Boosters, and the St. John Retired Teachers Association. Chermaine played an essential role in getting the second building added to West St. John Elementary School, the pavilion and splash park, and countless other projects in the Edgard and Wallace areas. When her health would no longer allow her to advocate in person, she turned to Facebook where she continued to champion causes from the comfort of her living room. Chermaine was a remarkable cook. She spent years catering events alongside her beloved aunt Lois Sterling. Many can testify to her delectable oyster dressing, red beans, and candied yams. She was always willing to cook for any occasion when called upon, and her rum cakes were the talk of the town. She knew no strangers; her door was always open, and she was always willing to provide for anyone who asked and even those who did not. She lived her life in service to others. After a valiant attempt to recover from a long list of illnesses, Chermaine departed her earthly body on Monday, August 22, 2022, at St. James Parish Hospital. She leaves behind an entire community to continue celebrating her life, cherishing her memory, and working to make the West Bank of St. John Parish a better place for all its residents. Chermaine also leaves behind a family that will love her forever, none more so than her husband, Donnie Roybiskie, Sr; children, Farrah and Donnie, Jr.; grandchildren, Jasmine, Lauryn, and Brandon; siblings, Dolores Sorapuru (Leonard), Roy Borne, Catherine Gray, Lloyd Borne (Valerie), Norwood Borne (Valeria), Dr. Madeline Borne (Glenn Woods), Kurt Borne (Trudy), Hilton Borne (Tammy); sisters and brothers-in-law, Christine and JoAnn Roybiskie, Terry (Cynthia) and Dana Roybiskie; uncle, Leon Pierre; ex-daughter-in-law, Ayeshia Foster Roybiskie; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Cherished friends, Vernadine Oubre, Elizabeth Johnson, Belinda Bailey, Ronnie Feist, and Russell Jack. She was the Godmother of Denease Sorapuru, Tyoque Milton, Jamar Bailey, Chiquita Landreaux Jones, and You'nekia Oubre. She is preceded in death by her parents, Olga and Norman Borne Sr.; her mother- and father-in-law, Joyce and Raymond Roybiskie Sr.; her sister, Gail Becnel; her brother, Norman Borne, Jr.; and her beloved daughter, Tamara Denise Roybiskie. " ...a woman who honors the Lord should be praised. Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone." - Proverb 31:30-31 A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2349 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049. Visitation will be held from 8am-10m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9am. Mass will begin at 10am. Entombment to follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!!" To share condolences and thoughts, and to sign guest book, please visit: www.treasurefunerals.com. Due to COVID-19 and CDC guidelines and restrictions, masks and social distancing are REQUIRED!!!