Mary A. Soileau

Mary A. "Toote" Fontenot Berzas Soileau, 92, was born on December 6, 1932, in Ville Platte, LA, and passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, in Lake Charles, LA.

Affectionately known as "Toote" to many, Mary will forever be remembered for her love and devotion to her family as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and Godmother. She was particularly proud of the home she and her late husband Elray built with materials from the old Hawkins house they tore down. Toote also took immense pride in the beautiful, strong, successful women her two daughters became. Mary's life was complete when her only grandson, Remington, was born, and she was able to fulfill her hope of seeing him become an accomplished and respected Civil Engineer.

She and her husband of 30 years, Elray Berzas, worked tirelessly to form their niche in the community. Toote worked alongside Elray in his auto salvage business, and as an entrepreneur in her own right, Mary owned and operated Plantation Antiques in Washington, LA, for over 40 Years. After Elray's death, she became the face of antique shopping in Washington, LA, and was considered by many as an expert in her field and a pillar of her community. In this role, she met and married Robert Soileau. Together, they opened one of the largest Antique Shops in Washington, Louisiana. She and Robert enjoyed traveling and picking out the best buys for the shoppers who made special trips to Washington to buy from Plantation Antiques. When not working and traveling, Mary enjoyed many interests and hobbies, including reading, research, furniture refinishing, reupholstering, interior design, and gardening.

While her physical body failed with age, her mind and wit remained sharp until the very end. Beneath Mary's small stature and southern charm belied an immense spirit, an indomitable presence, and a tenacious grit. She was a true force to be reckoned with and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Dudley G. and Marie Ludie Ardoin Fontenot, her first husband and the father of her two daughters, Elray H. Berzas, her second husband, Robert D. Soileau, and her brother, J. Aaron Fontenot and wife his, Caledonia.

Mrs. Soileau leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Becky Berzas Reed and her husband Greg of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Gwen Berzas and partner, Pam Bruney of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the grandson she loved and adored, Remington Reed and fiancé Chandler of Springdale, Arkansas along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Ardoin's Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A rosary will be at 6:15 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at Ardoin's Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.