Mary Lourie Richard Sylvester

VILLE PLATTE - Mary Lourie Richard Sylvester, a beloved homemaker and mother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family at her residence on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the age of 98. Born in Plaisance, LA, on November 15, 1925, Lourie was known for her warm personality and unwavering love for her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Grand Prairie, LA beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. 

Lourie's life was a testament to the joy found in simple pleasures such as coffee and conversation, baking delicious pies, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She graduated from Grand Prairie High School and went on to become the heart of her family as a devoted matriarch.

Throughout her life, Lourie found solace and happiness in various hobbies such as quilting, baking, sewing, and gardening. Her eyes would light up with joy when she spent time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed sharing her breakfast poptart with Scooby, her grand-dog.

Lourie's proudest accomplishments were being a mother to three daughters, a grandmother to seven grandchildren, and a great grandmother to sixteen little ones. Her legacy of love and dedication will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

In every stitch of a quilt she made, in every slice of pie she baked, and in every moment spent with her family, Lourie's spirit was always present. She touched the lives of all who knew her with kindness and gentleness.

Lourie will be deeply missed by her daughters, Diana and husband, Winston LaFleur, Maureen Douglas and Debra LaFleur; her siblings, Burnal Sylvester, Mercedes Guillory and husband, Jerril and Francis Richard and wife, Murella; her brother-in-law, Bobby Sylvester and sister-in-law, Susan Sylvester. Also left to cherish her memories are her grandchildren, Cherie and Pamela LaFleur, Melissa and John Darbonne, Tiffany and Tim Fontenot, Joey and Jeffrey LaFleur, Christina and Kristen LaFleur, Angela and Cody Manuel, Leslie and Robert Mayeux; her great-grandchildren, Alec, Aubrie, Sophie, Savannah, Sela and Sawyer, Selma, Sicily, Garrett, Seth, Grant, Hannah, David, Kennedy, Isaac, Journey and Rebekah.

She is preceded in death by her spouse, Joseph Blaine Sylvester; her parents, Elrick "Pete" and Elise Sonnier Richard; her sister, Elrose and Doris Vidrine of Kenner, LA; her sons-in-law, Travis Douglas and Clyde LaFleur; her brothers-in-law, Burke Sylvester, Lynch Sylvester and J.C. Sylvester and her sister-in-law, Allie and husband, Louis Jones.

At the family's request, a visitation will be held at Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 8:00 AM until the time of service.

Family and friends may leave condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin's Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements.