Mary Lou LeBoeuf Caldarera, 70, passed away suddenly after a brief illness on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at a local hospital. Mary Lou was born Sept. 27, 1952, to Dalton and Loula May (Boudreaux) LeBoeuf in Abbeville, La.
Mary Lou attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as ULL) where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1973, Master in Elementary Education in 1976, and an Educational Specialist in Administration Supervision in 1979. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Reading Education at the University of Georgia in 1981 and graduated with top honors. Mary Lou enjoyed a 47-year career in education in the Southwest Louisiana area. She held various titles including teacher, team coordinator for SPUR, assistant principal, principal, and Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. She retired in 2020 as Supervisor of the Department of Assessment for Calcasieu Parish school system. Among her many accomplishments, she was awarded Calcasieu Parish Principal of the Year in 1996 during her employment at Gillis Elementary. She was a tenacious leader who had a passion for serving others.
Mary Lou’s greatest joy was taking care of her family, which she did with selfless dedication and love. She was especially proud of her Cajun heritage. It is noteworthy to mention that she learned Cajun French as a child in order to speak with her grandparents. Besides being an accomplished cook, she was an excellent dancer. Mary Lou and Charles would often be seen dancing around town to live music, which always impressed onlookers. They also shared a love for the outdoors and enjoyed traveling together, going to the beach in Perdido Key, hiking, and climbing mountains. She was happiest sitting on the back porch with Charles listening to music while drinking a glass of wine. Mary Lou paid attention to the smallest details to make every occasion a special experience. She took great care of everyone, but also taught her children to be independent and think for themselves. Her granddaughters called her “MaMou”, and they were her heart. She had a vibrant smile and a vivacious laugh. She will be missed dearly.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 38 years, Charles Caldarera; children, Sarah Caldarera-Moore (Ben) and Nicholas Caldarera (Jobi); stepchildren, Charlie Caldarera (Meagan) and Gina Caldarera (Mazen Hijazi); four granddaughters, Louisa, Evia, Gracie and Katie; siblings, Jeanette Duhon, Marguerite Wade, Paul LeBoeuf, Willie LeBoeuf, and Joey LeBoeuf; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mary Lou’s cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff with Father Aubrey Guilbeau officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. until the rosary at 1:30 p.m. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.