Edna Leblanc

Mrs. Edna Mae Stelly LeBlanc, a resident of Opelousas, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 91, on March 9, 2013 surrounded by her loving husband, children, pastor, caregivers, and close family friends. Mrs. LeBlanc was born on March 31, 1921 in LeBeau, Louisiana to parents Felix and Eitha Stelly. After graduating from Opelousas High School, she married her first husband, Frank Chachere, and later welcomed her first daughter, Mingnon Marie. Her first husband was killed during World War II in Iwo Jima in 1945. On August 23, 1951, Mrs. LeBlanc married another military man, her beloved husband, John Bradford J.B. LeBlanc, of Opelousas, who earlier served in aviation in the Marines at Guadalcanal. Together they welcomed two children, Brad LeBlanc and Becky LeBlanc.

Before becoming a loving and gifted wife and mother, Edna Mae worked briefly as a secretary in Opelousas. Throughout her life, she took great pride in her strongest passion caring for her loving husband and three precious children, who in her eyes, were always her little girls and little boy, regardless of how far her children sojourned into adulthood. Edna also relished all of the special times and heartfelt visits with her incredible grandchildren, whom she loved so dearly. Edna, along with her husband, J.B., was a longtime member and supporter of Christian Life Center, where she truly learned to love the Lord, also with great passion. For many years, Edna and J.B. led a nursing home ministry and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and praying with the elderly. Her many gifts, talents, and hobbies included art, cooking, decorating her home, reading numerous Christian works, listening to faithful music, and blessing all with her incredible southern belle charm and humor. She loved to shop with her daughters and friends, who always joked that she could outshop everyone, even those with much younger feet. All those who knew her admired her beauty, loved her dearly, and appreciated her gentle and kind demeanor, as well as her occasional feisty and spunky spirit.

Mrs. LeBlanc is survived by her loving husband of over 61 years, J. B. LeBlanc, her three children, Mingnon Marie Chachere Firmin and husband Daniel of Lafayette, LA, Rebecca Marie Becky LeBlanc of Austin, TX, and John Bradford Brad LeBlanc and wife Cherrie of Lafayette, LA. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Greg Firmin, Cully Firmin, Jared LeBlanc, Jason LeBlanc, and Janie LeBlanc. Her great grandchildren include Danny Firmin and Ben Firmin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Eitha Stelly, brother Clovis Stelly, and sister Bernice Diesi.

The family wishes to recognize and thank all of Mrs. LeBlancs caregivers for their tremendous and loving care and support during her last months of life. Her wonderful caregivers included Gloria Calais, Candy Gaspard, Joanne Rose, Ruth Hidalgo, Gertie Kennerson, Ann Edmond, Beulah Lamb, and Celeste Human. The family also wishes to thank Mr. Edwin Junior Credeur Pastor Benny Repond and his wife, Nancy Margaret Bell, lovingly known as Ma Belle Mary Taylor and Harold Schexsnayder for their devoted care, friendship, and support to the LeBlanc family for many years.

A reflection service for Mrs. LeBlanc will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2013 at LafondArdoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. Funeral services, led by Pastor Benny Repond, with special words by Deacon Sammy Diesi, Mrs. LeBlancs nephew and godson, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2013, also at LafondArdoin Funeral Home. Pallbearers include Brad LeBlanc, Jason LeBlanc, Greg Firmin, Sammy Diesi, Charles Diesi, and Edwin Junior Credeur. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

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

LafondArdoin Funeral Home of Opelousas 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, 337 9422638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
4:00 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Home Service

LafondArdoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Hwy. 182 South
Opelousas, LA  70570