Mary Catherine Richard Arabie, 77, passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2025. Born on June 30, 1947, Mary was a vibrant, fiery Cajun woman with a heart of gold who lived a life full of love, devotion, and unforgettable charm.

A proud native of Church Point, La., Mary was known for her fun-loving and excitable personality. She was verbally expressive and never shy to let you know when you crossed her boundaries, but her sharp wit was always matched by her love and compassion. Mary worked diligently for several doctors and dental hygienists during her career, where her precision and dedication left a lasting impression.

Mary adored nature and found immense joy being surrounded by flowers, hummingbirds fluttering, butterflies, and the love of her special furry, Rufus.

She cherished her Cajun heritage, embodying the lively spirit and warm hospitality of her roots. Mary loved to have a good time and made sure those around her shared in her joy. She was a true Cajun gal who could bring laughter and light to any room.

Mary is survived by the love of her life, her devoted husband, Jessie Arabie; her siblings, Theresa Richard Myers and Marie Louise Richard Hardy of Jasper, Texas; her brother, Kermit J. “Bubba” Richard and his wife, Theresa; her adopted son, David Huber; her cherished nephew, Kurtis John Richard; her sister-in-law, Brenda Anne Arabie Landry, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Kermit John Richard and Ruth Fontenot Richard, as well as, her beloved twin sister, Mary Jacqueline Richard Pittman.

A Funeral Mass will be held to celebrate Mary’s life at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Lake Charles, La., on Jan. 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. With Father Long officiating as celebrant.  Visitation will be open to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home before the Funeral Mass. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, and a burial will take place at a later date.

Mary’s family would like to give a warm thank you to Calcutta Hospice Facility and all of their Doctors, nurses, and staff. They would also like to thank the ICU of Ochsner’s hospital, all of the eighth floor doctors and nurses, and their very special nurse, Miki.