Lelia Marie Manuel Fontenot

Lelia Marie Manuel Fontenot, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA, at the age of 98. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, beginning at 2:00 pm. Burial will be held at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Father Stephen Pellessier will preside over the services. 

Lelia’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life; a devout Catholic, she regularly attended Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church and prayed her Rosary with heartfelt devotion. Her journey was defined by an immense devotion to her family and an enduring passion for her nursing career, which she pursued with dedication for over three decades at respected institutions like Ardoin's Sanatorium Medical Clinic and Savoy Medical Center. She was also known for her love of caring for friends and family.

Her compassion extended beyond her profession, as she found joy in nurturing her garden, cultivating stunning flowers and vegetables that reflected her loving spirit. She found a deep connection to the outdoors, creating cherished memories with her children while crawfishing, instilling in them the same love for nature that she held dear.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and grace, having made an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. Lelia is survived by her beloved children, Judy Bellow of St. Amant, LA; Perry and wife, Marie Fontenot of Opelousas, LA, Steve and wife, Cindy Fontenot of Youngsville, LA; her grandchildren, Thad Bellow, Michele Wingett, Troy Bellow, Trisha Bellow, Bryan Nicholas, Jeanne Harmon, Whitney Fontenot, Ashley Fontenot and Cory Fontenot; her 14 great-grandchildren and her sisters, Gloria Soileau of Ville Platte and Elta Guillory of Metairie, LA. 

Lelia was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Fontenot; her parents, Camille and Ada Manuel; her brothers, Clement Manuel, Cleven Manuel, Vorise Manuel and Elton Manuel; and her sister, Hazel Dupre. 

At the request of the family, a visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 9:00 am with a Rosary being prayed in her honor at 1:00 pm by Deacon Ben Soileau. 

Family and friends are invited to leave their condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com. Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. 

As we bid farewell to Lelia, we hold close the lessons she taught us through her actions—the importance of love, faith, and family.