Martha L. Dean

Mrs. Martha L. Dean, a resident of Opelousas, Louisiana, passed away at her residence surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was born on June 18, 1930, in Opelousas, La. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas.  A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. by Cecille Dupre.  Visitation will continue Friday, May 17, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, La. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas and concluding with interment at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery.  The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will Celebrate the Mass. 

In her early years, Martha dedicated herself to work as a bookkeeper at Planters Bank in Opelousas before embracing the role of a devoted stay-at-home mom.  

A remarkable seamstress and talented cook, Martha found joy in sewing and was a fantastic seamstress.  She also loved preparing meals for her loved ones. Martha cherished moments spent with her sisters cooking, visiting, and sharing meals together.

Left to honor Martha's memory are her daughters, Donna Dean and Billie Dean Ortego and her husband Michael; her granddaughters, Brooks LaCombe and Natalie LaCombe; her great-grandson, Wyatt LaCombe; her sister, Ann Bertrand; her nephews, Kenny Cannon and Scott Labbe and her nieces, Aimee Edmond and Cathy Jo LeJeune. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence Thibodeaux and Austin Labbe, Sr.; her husband, Billy Jay Dean; her sisters, Vivian Labbe, Lou Cannon, Thelma (Chic) Manuel and her brothers, E.L. Labbe and Austin (Buddy) Labbe and her nephews, Gerald Lavergne, Tommy J. Manuel, and Ted J. Manuel; her niece, Genora Jeannie Olivier.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter for those who survive her.  Martha will forever be remembered for her warm heart, culinary skills, and dedication to family. May she rest in peace knowing she was cherished by many.

Family and friends are invited to visit our website 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.