Melba Helen Schexsnayder Leger

Palmetto - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Melba Helen Schexsnayder Leger on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Palmetto.  Father Stephen Ugwu will celebrate the Mass.  Rite of Committal will follow in the St. Thomas Church Cemetery.   

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas.  A Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. by Beth Brown.

Mrs. Leger, age 97, a resident of Palmetto, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas, La.

Melba was born and raised in Palmetto by the late Moise and Lucille Schexsnayder. On July 6, 1943, she married Viealy Leger, while he was home on leave getting ready to go back to the war field during WWII. When he returned home, they began their love story raising four boys. Melba was the perfect description of a dedicated homemaker. A better baker and cook could not be found. She always had a full course meal provided for her family and never a dirty kitchen.  Her faith was very important to her, which called her to serve on the altar society and become a long-time parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Palmetto. Melba’s family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her family will always remember her amazing cookies and kind hugs. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sons, Perry M. Leger, Sr., (Peggy) of Baton Rouge, LA, Troy J. Leger, Sr. (Darlene) of Palmetto, LA, Lambert P. Leger (Debbie) of Opelousas; 12 grandchildren, Perry "Chip", Jason, Renee, Duane, Charles, Mandy, Brandy, Jessica, Taylor, Troy, Jr., David and Kim, Jr. and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Viealy J. Leger; her son, Kim Michael Leger, Sr.; her parents, Moise Schexnayder, Sr. and Lucille Boudreaux Schexnayder; her sisters, Natlie Duvall, Nita Billedeau and Vera Lee Vining and her brothers, Moise "Boy" Schexnayder, Jr., Chester Schexnayder, Sr., Huey Schexnayder, Rev. Ferdinand Schexnayder and Willie Lee "Bee" Schexnayder.

Pallbearers will be Chip Leger, Jason Leger, Troy Leger, Jr., David Leger, Colton Simmons, Tucker Bryant and Duane Leger.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at Traditions Hospice who took such good care of Melba.

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.