Mary "Kathy" Chiasson

Funeral services for Mary “Kathy” Fortenberry Chiasson will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church located at 1382 Gravel Hill Church Road, Pitkin, Louisiana. Pastor Chad Estes will conduct the service. A burial will follow in the Blue Branch Cemetery in Pitkin, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held in the Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Pitkin, Louisiana on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The church will reopen on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 8:00 AM until service time.

Pallbearers will be Trey Hickman, Josh Thompson, Dwaine Fortenberry, Brandon Duvall, Jr., Justin Midkiff and Jacob Midkiff. The honorary pallbearer will be Matt Thompson.

Mary "Kathy" Katherine Chiasson, a beloved resident of Pitkin, Louisiana, passed away at her residence on September 16, 2024, at the age of 63. She was born on August 15, 1961, in Oakdale, Louisiana. Kathy lived a life marked by love, dedication, and a passion for family that resonated deeply with all who knew her.

Kathy dedicated many years of her life to serving her community with her work. She began her career in civil service at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, where she worked in the mess hall. Her commitment to service continued as she joined Bayne-Jones Army Hospital, where she worked for 11 years in the linen department before transitioning to a role as a clerk in the patient relations department for an additional five years. Through her work, Kathy touched the lives of countless individuals, always bringing kindness and warmth to her interactions.

Kathy and her husband built a life filled with love and cherished memories. Her devotion to family was evident in all aspects of her life; she adored being surrounded by her loved ones and took great joy in the time spent with them.

An avid gardener, Kathy found solace and happiness in the beauty of the outdoors. She had a talent for nurturing plants, and her garden reflected her vibrant spirit. However, her greatest passion was spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Leo Chiasson, with whom she shared 44 1/2 years of marriage; her son, Jamie Chiasson and his wife, Jessica; her daughter, Leona Duvall and her husband, Brandon; her brother, Robert Fortenberry, Jr. and his wife, Susan; her sisters, Viola Stracener and her husband, Gerald, Rose Hickman and Debra Eaves. Kathy’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, Justin Midkiff (Sarah), Jacob Midkiff (Karlie), Julia Chiasson, Brandon Duvall, Jr., and Lydia Duvall, along with her great-grandchild, Annlee Grace Midkiff. She is also survived by her nephews, Matt Thompson (Mika) and Josh Thompson (Kristy); her niece, Leann Crockett (Roger) along with a host of other nephews and nieces.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Fortenberry, Sr. and Ollie Belle Laird; her brothers, Bennette Fortenberry and Jimmy Ray Fortenberry; and her sister, Emma Jean Richard.

Kathy's warmth, kindness, and love for others will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, carrying forward the light she shared throughout her remarkable life.

The family would like to thank Brooke Darbonne and the team from Brighton Bridge Hospice for the care that was given to Kathy.

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.