Helena F. Fontenot

MAMOU - Helena F. Fontenot passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023 at Heritage Manor of Ville Platte. 

Helena was born to Feria Fontenot and Edith “Ude” Thompson Fontenot on February 1, 1928 in Te Mamou and resided most of her life in Evangeline Parish.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years Elson Frank Fontenot, her parents and older brother, Abel Fontenot of Columbus, Georgia.

Helena worked in sales, childcare, and was a nurses’ aide. She worked up to the age of 80 providing in-home care for “old people.” She loved sewing, reading, cooking, and visiting with family and friends. She also loved dancing, traveling, and playing games and cards. She always enjoyed a good joke and was always quick with advice and opinions. She was an excellent housekeeper and cook.

Helena leaves behind a daughter, Jo Ann O’Pry and husband Stephen of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas and a son, Buster Fontenot and wife Janet of Ville Platte, Louisiana.

Grandchildren are Scott O’ Pry and wife Paulette of Lake Charles LA, Lance O’Pry and wife Valerie of Napa, CA, Dr. Casey O’Pry and partner Gerry of Kemah, TX , Carmen McGrath and husband Les of Westlake, LA,  Jessica Fontenot and Luke Fontenot both of Lafayette, LA. She was blessed to be a great grandmother of eight.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 27, 2023 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Mamou, LA from 9:00 am until 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial directly following. Burial will be at The New St. Ann’s Cemetery on Old Highway 13.

Pallbearers will be Scott O’Pry, Lance O’Pry, Luke Fontenot, Jacob Walsh,  Drew O’Pry and  Tyler O’Pry.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Manor for their loving care of “Granny” and to Guardian Hospice for their support during her final days. Thanks also to Ardoin’s Funeral Home for handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Shriners’ Hospital for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends may leave condolences for the family at ardoinsfuneralhome.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Mamou is in charge of arrangements.