Leola Doucet

It is with great sadness that the family of Leola Deranger Doucet announce her passing on February 3rd, 2022 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA. “Dole”, as she was often referred to, was 81 years old and died peacefully in her sleep. She was born on May 10, 1940 being the youngest of 13 children. She leaves behind one surviving sibling Betty Emon.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Terry John Doucet. She and her husband raised 4 children on family land in Grand Prairie, LA. : Randy Doucet (Liz), Terry Jay Doucet (Shiela), Lynette Vidrine (Ward) and Lenny Doucet (Nikki). She was a very special MeMe to her grandchildren : Nicholas Fruge, Megan Ortego, Kimberly Kendall, Lucas Doucet, Katelyn Bellard, Tyler Fruge, Samuel Doucet, Sydni Doucet, Andrew Doucet, Gabrielle Doucet, Jayden Doucet, TJ Doucet and Jillian Doucet. Step-grandchildren: Amber, Brandon, and Brittany Vidrine. She also had 11 greatgrandchildren who she cherished dearly.

During their younger married years, Leola was a homemaker who created meaningful memories with her children that are still spoken of today. She then obtained her bachelor degree in Elementary Education at USL in 1978. During her teaching years both in public and private schools, she touched the lives of many who remember her smile, kind words and bringing homemade goodies to share. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Leola. She was happiest in her kitchen baking homemade cakes and cooking for her family and friends. It was not uncommon for the grandchildren to walk into their Meme’s kitchen requesting a certain food and she happily honored their request. She enjoyed hosting large gatherings with plenty of delicious food, playing her favorite card game Cadillac, and watching TV while quilting or sewing. She also took pleasure in traveling and meeting new people. She had an ability to find happiness in her daily activities. She never complained or lost hope during the trials of her life. She was a cancer survivor along with having brain surgery. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.

To a special person who has been with Dole and her family throughout her life, Marie Doucet, thank you for your unwavering love and support. A heartfelt thanks to Liz Morris for the excellent care of MeMe during her 4 years in the nursing home. Also, much gratitude to Dr. Patrick Gillespie the “best looking” doctor as Leola would often say for dedication to her care as well support for her family.

Visitation will be observed at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral home in Opelousas, LA on Tuesday February 8th from 3 to 8pm. A rosary will be prayed at 6pm by Deacon Shawn Melancon. The visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until Mass at 11am in St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, LA. Father Jude A. Halphen will officiate the services. Burial following will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Lucas, Samuel, Andrew, Nicholas, Tyler and a special relative Kyle Doucet. For Mass presenting the offertory gifts will be granddaughters: Katelyn, Sydni and Gabi. The readers will be her two oldest granddaughters: Megan and Kimberly.

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.