Cecelia Fontenot Guidry
Published 5:00 am Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Cecelia Fontenot Guidry, 91, passed away at her home in Lake Charles, La., on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, with her beloved family by her side. She was born on March 29, 1932, in Lawtell, La., to Wesley and Celine St. Andre’ Fontenot.
Cecelia grew up in Mallet, La., where she attended St. Ann Church and School. It was there that she met Roosevelt Guidry Jr., her loving husband of 73 years. They were united in matrimony on Dec. 26, 1948, in Chatagnier, La. They initially lived at 404 Pear St. from 1950 to 1998, next to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, before moving to 5830 Leger Rd., where they resided from 1998 until 2023. Their union was blessed with four beautiful children, Waterine Marie Guidry, Mary Michelle Guidry Chavis, John Shelton Guidry, and Maurice Morris C. Guidry.
Cecelia was raised Catholic, a former member of Christian Mothers, and worked as a domestic caregiver for children. She enjoyed gardening, listening to Zydeco music on Saturday mornings while doing housework. She truly enjoyed preparing meals, especially for her husband and family on holidays, notably Thanksgiving. She and Roosevelt also trained and cared for racehorses.
She was known for her welcoming nature, especially after Sunday Mass, and her generosity to her community. A cancer survivor of 19 years, she was strong in her faith with a resilient will to live by her own values.
She will be remembered for her guidance, advice, compassion, and the love she infused into everything she did. A devoted grandmother, she cared for her grandchildren near and far. A woman of self-value, she served as a true inspiration to all.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Waterine Marie Guidry of Lake Charles, La., Mary Michelle Guidry Chavis of Missouri City, Texas, Maurice Morris C. Guidry of Lake Charles, La.; her sister, Anna Dell Lemelle; her brother, Joseph Fontenot of Church Point, La. Also, her grandchildren, Carlton, Wenona (Carlwell), Selena (Kevin), Dawn, Courtney, Tenesha (Gordon), Alvin, Shyleena (Oscar) and Mary Ann; her great-grandchildren, Carrington, Kyle, Bailey, Brady, Linsey, Jasymin, Darius (Phalyn), Dorian, Aidan, Ana, Ja’Vaughn, Bryce, Dontrell, Donavan, Oscar, Carter Ray and Sara Debbie; her great-great-grandchildren, Virgil, Vada, Vincent, Valli and Yasir.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Celine St. Andre’ Fontenot; her husband, Roosevelt Guidry Jr.; her son, John Shelton Guidry, and her siblings, Celestine F. Pitre’, Mable F. Guillory, Bertha F. Palmer, Hadley, Morris, and John Fontenot.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Reverend Rommel Tolentino will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, La., on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until leaving in procession to the church at 10:30 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m.
The family would like to extend a special “Thank you” to all who helped care for our mother. Your encouraging words and prayers are deeply appreciated. A heartfelt “Thank you” to Stat Home Health Care, Amedisys, Margaret and staff, St. Joseph Hospice and staff, Home Instead, Calcasieu Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Allstate Insurance, Melissa and Travis and staff; Dr. Seep (Dr. Seeser), Bridgett Cole and Staff, Dr. Broussard, Dr. Mulhearn and staff; caregivers, Morgan Jordan, Mia, and Crystal. Your time, support, and love during our difficult time are truly appreciated. May God Bless You, The Family.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.
