A Life of Dance, Dedication, and Joy

Sondra Lynn Irwin Stark, born Nov. 28, 1939, in DeQuincy, La., passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family and friends.

A lifelong resident of DeQuincy, Sondra graduated from DeQuincy High School in 1957 and continued her education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where she was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority. For 67 years, with the assistance of one of her dearest friends, Rosemary Fontenot, she owned and operated the renowned Sondra Stark Studio of Dance, nurturing a love of dance in countless students and inspiring the establishment of at least five other local dance studios. As a co-founder of the McNeese State University Cowgirl Kickers, she designed their inaugural costumes and served as their first choreographer in the early 1980s. Sondra was certified by Dance Educators of America, and her award-winning dance teams performed across major cities, including at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans.

Beyond her dance studio, Sondra was a formidable businesswoman, successfully managing multiple enterprises throughout her life. Her latest business venture was a collaboration with her son, Tod, to open the Bayou Cafe in Beaumont in 2010. Together, they created menus and personally handled the renovations, including painting and plumbing. Sondra’s famous banana pudding, which she made herself, became a highlight of the cafe and sold over 50,000 servings.

She was also a dedicated member of the DeQuincy Federated Service League and was honored with the Civic Service Award by the Chamber of Commerce in 1974. Sondra’s contributions were integral to the community, leaving an indelible mark on the city she dearly loved. The void left by her passing can only be filled by the cherished memories and love of those she leaves behind.

Sondra’s zest for life was infectious, touching thousands of lives with her boundless energy and spirit. Her love and unwavering support for her family and the support she received in return kept her youthful, joyful, and full of hope.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Ikey Irwin; her sister, Sharon Irwin Royer, and her nephew, Steve Royer. She leaves behind her sons, Tod Stark (Bridge City, Texas) and Craig Stark (Los Angeles, Calif.); granddaughter, Brittany Stark (Josh Goins) of DeQuincy; great-grandchildren, Madison Adams, Carson Goins, and Ashlynn Breaux; great-great-grandchild, Rory Breaux; brother, Rusty (Pam) Irwin; sister, Colleen Pinder; nieces, Tricia (Anthony) Busceme, Kim (Dean) Goodman, Barbie (Larry) Nassar, and Jennifer (Jerry) Goza; nephews, Layton (Kasha) Irwin, Hugh (Emily) Irwin, Darren (Heather) Royer, and Darwin (Dana) Pinder.

A Celebration of Sondra’s life will be held at Crosspoint Community Church on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 1 p.m., with the Rev. James Barrett and Pastor Austin Clark officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Perkins Cemetery in DeQuincy. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Tricia Irwin Busceme and Pam Irwin for their tender care during Sondra’s year-long battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a scholarship fund for DeQuincy High School seniors in Sondra’s memory, honoring her dedication to the city. Details will be made available on the Hixson-Snider Funeral Home website. www.Hixsonsnider.com

Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.