Walterine Duplichen Cannatella

Walterine Cannatella passed away peacefully at her home in Melville, La. on January 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on February 16, 1936 to Lodis and Iles Duplichen, she graduated with a degree in education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette.

Shortly after that, she married her husband of 55 years, Peter Anthony Cannatella of Melville. They joyfully filled their home with 6 children. A loving wife and admiring mother, Walterine was a fantastic cook, talented gardener, avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler, i.e. the greatest map reader of all time.

Her humble beginnings and marriage to Pete undoubtedly sowed the seeds for her being devout in her faith; her unyielding devotion to family, to community, to the earth and all of its beings; and her unending quest to seek respect and justice for all.

Walterine is survived by her brother Lodis Duplechain, Jr. (Pat); her six children, Marla Silverberg (Joel), Charles Cannatella (Denise), Brian Cannatella (JoAnn), Grant Cannatella (Pam), Quentin Cannatella, and Anna-Maria Cannatella (Erin Rodriguez); as well as her 10 grandchildren and her 12 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends including her dear Pilates friends.

Visitation will be at 9 am followed by the funeral mass at 11am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Melville, La. Burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org) or St. John the Evangelist Church landscaping fund.