Mary Lee Sonnier Vidrine

Mary Lee Sonnier Vidrine, age 85, was born on May 18, 1939, in Plaisance, Louisiana and departed this life on April 3, 2025, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, Louisiana. Father Higginbotham will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery in Prairie Ronde, La.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas beginning at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. by Cecille Dupre on Wednesday evening and the funeral home will reopen on Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

This is about a woman who had many challenges her whole life. From growing up in a home with nine children and working in the cotton fields to finally getting a baby duck, and only having it hit by a baseball. She wanted to play basketball, but could not because women were not allowed to wear shorts; to wanting to go fishing and being slapped in the face by fish; to wanting to be her own business woman by opening her own fabric store and it failed; to having health issues her whole life, but this is not a story of sadness and pity. It’s a story of triumph, resilience, and hope. It’s about someone who would never give in, never quit, always looking for a way to live a life of happiness and health. Many think that they would never want to have all the issues and challenges she had throughout her life, including me, yet I today realize that she is exactly who I hope to be. Love you, mom. I hope you and dad are having a blast, so poor yet so rich in family and friends and love – written by Belinda

Mary dedicated many years of her professional life to serving as an x-ray technician, where she made a significant impact with her expertise and compassion. Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary was an extraordinary seamstress and an avid baker, renowned for her festive Christmas candies, her love for gardening, extended to nurturing her plants and cherishing her Christmas Cactus in her leisure time. Mary engaged in ceramics and cake design, showcasing her artistic talents and joyful personality. She saw beauty in the world around her, especially when watching hummingbirds outdoors, a pastime that brought her great delight. She also looked forward to her weekly Bouree games. Mary shared a deep love with her husband, Jerry, with whom she enjoyed many joyful moments dancing together.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her son, Michael Vidrine and his wife, Andrea, her daughters, Belinda Hawks and her husband, Brad, and Marla Gibson and her husband, Skipper; her sisters, Cassie Deville, Jeanell “Tiny” Thompson, and Connie Guidry, her six grandchildren, Allen Hawks and his spouse, Michael Prichard, Travis Hawks, Ashley Gibson and her fiancé, Ryan Marshall, Paige Massey and her husband, Chance, Morgan Kigerl and her husband, Thomas, and Luke Vidrine. Mary also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Aspen Marshall, Kelly Kigerl, and Stella Marshall. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members who will forever hold her memory dear.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Clester Sonnier and Luday Bordelon Sonnier; her beloved husband, Jerry Conrad Vidrine; her brothers, Millard Sonnier, Jonior Sonnier, Taylor Sonnier, and Carroll Sonnier; her sister, Terry Stelly; and her nephews, Randy Deville, Carl Deville, Keith Gile, Jonathan Tomlinson, Stephen Sonnier, and her niece, Lisa Deville.

As we remember Mary, we celebrate her life filled with love, creativity, and lasting connections. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

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.