Patricia Ann Fontenot

Memorial Funeral service and a Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. Darrell Burleigh will lead the Rosary service.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Leblanc Fontenot on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, at the age of 84. She was born on April 10, 1940, in Lafayette and grew up there. She spent the remainder of her life in Sunset, Louisiana.  

Patricia dedicated over 35 years to Catholic education in Grand Coteau, Louisiana and served as an educator and administrator, with most of her tenure spent at St. Ignatius School. She was fondly known as “Mrs. Pat” and was a devoted member of the SIS Cardinal family. 

A proud alumna of Lafayette High School, Patricia graduated in 1958 and continued to stay connected with her roots by serving as the chairperson for the LHS Class of 1958 Reunion Committee. She received a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Louisiana Institute (UL Lafayette) and her post-baccalaureate education culminated with a Master of Religious Education from Loyola University.

Outside of her professional life, Patricia's love for music shone brightly as she showcased her talents as a musician playing the flute and accordion. For several years she was proudly involved with the orchestra at First Baptist Church in Lafayette. Her vibrant spirit led her to become a cherished member of the Red Hat Society, where friendships blossomed over shared interests and camaraderie. She was also a prominent advocate for the Lao community in St. Martinville, Louisiana; she especially cherished her travels to and experiences in Thailand with these friends. 

Throughout her life, Patricia's greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her, and she was a “mother” to anyone and everyone in need. Her nurturing spirit was apparent in everything she did. In honoring Patricia's memory, let us remember her warmth, kindness, and tireless dedication to enriching lives.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, John S. Fontenot; her sons, Art Prado, Greg Fontenot (Aimee), and Tony Fontenot (Terri); her daughters, Renee’ Prado Thibodeaux (Don), Janna Fontenot Krebsbach (Scott), and Ann Fontenot Lavergne (Jeff); brother, Richard Kane Leblanc; sister, Beverly Marie Leblanc Leger; grandchildren: Brittin Fontenot, James Gregory Fontenot, Katherine Kugler, Richard Albright, Russ Morgan, Dominique Morgan, Bobby Brinkhaus, Ashley Prado-Meaux, Caleb Thibodeaux, Olivia Prado Sheperd, Isabella Prado, Sophia Prado, Ava Krebsbach, and Elise Krebsbach; and great-grandchildren: Chloe Fontenot, Connor Fontenot, Cora Fontenot, Katie Brinkhaus, and Jackson Fontenot.  

Patricia was preceded in death by her grandson, Joshua Fontenot; her parents, Clifton Leblanc and Annie Lullallyan Johnson Leblanc; and her aunt, Agnes Leblanc Ravey. 

Patricia's legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she held dear. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Ignatius School Memorial Program in remembrance of Mrs. Pat Fontenot. Please contact Melissa Richard- Cormier (SIS) at 337-662-3325, Melissac@siscardinals.org. These donations will also be accepted at the funeral service. 

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.