Catherine Prejean Stanford

Catherine Prejean Stanford, age 63, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on January 27, 1961, in Opelousas, Louisiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Catherine Stanford at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Lawtell, La. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Father Mark Ledoux will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and Burial will take place at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, La. by Father Picard.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Stanford, Dustin Stanford, Alexander Stanford, Joel Stanford, Eric Prejean and Braylon LeBlanc. Honorary pallbearers will be Cullen Stanford, Luke Stanford and Owen Stanford.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A Rosary will be prayed on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. by Jerry Wyble. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

As a loving mother and grandmother, Catherine enjoyed spending time with her children and her grandbabies. She loved cooking for her family and loved working in her garden. It was within these simple yet profound moments that Catherine found her greatest fulfillment—surrounded by those she most adored.

She was Chief Deputy for the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court’s office for over 30 years.

Catherine’s journey through life was shared with her husband, Ira “Bo” Stanford, Jr., of Opelousas, La. and her sons, Brandon Stanford and wife, Karen, of Opelousas, La., Dustin Stanford and wife, Dana, of Sunset, La., and Alexander Stanford and his wife, Charlie, of Opelousas, La. and her beloved grandchildren—Braylon LeBlanc, Cullen Stanford, Ana-Kathryn Stanford, Luke Stanford, Owen Stanford, and Makenzie Stanford—who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Kirk Prejean and his wife, Laurie; her sister, Phyllis "Totsy" Castille; her aunt, Sandra Fontenot, and her Goddaughter, Kimberly Anderson along with a host of nieces, nephews and other dear family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Sylvia Prejean, her father-in-law, Ira Stanford, Sr., and her Godson, Mark Anthony “Mat” Trahan, along with a host of aunts and uncles whose lives she touched.

As we reflect on the life of Catherine, we are reminded of the warmth of her smile, the kindness in her heart, and the love she so generously shared. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her spirit remain forever alive in the hearts of those who loved her dearly.

The family would like to give a special thank you to her oncologist, Dr. Cain and Allison Bertrand, NP, for their amazing care. They would like to also thank Hospice of Acadiana, especially nurse Colleen for the compassion they showed. 

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.