Photo courtesy of Honaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Slidell
Slidell, Louisiana
Aug 28, 1942 – Apr 4, 2024 (Age 81)
Dr. Michael Ernest Lavigne, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Slidell, Louisiana on April 4, 2024, surrounded by his family, after a full life and a quiet battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on August 28, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Michael Lavigne, Jr. was the eldest of five siblings and grew up in the city's 7th Ward. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1960, then pursued Electrical Engineering at Louisiana State University and the University of California, Los Angeles. Switching to medicine, he earned his MD from UC San Francisco after completing his master’s in Bio-Radiology at UC Berkeley.
In 1971, Michael married the love of his life, Carol Ann Adey, in Lake Tahoe. In 1978, he established his Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology practice in New Orleans, later moving to Slidell while maintaining his commitment to both communities. Throughout his career, he also served at various medical institutions, notably becoming the first African American president of the medical staff at Hotel Dieu Hospital- now University Medical Center New Orleans, LCMC.
Dr. Lavigne's compassionate care endeared him to generations of patients over his four-decade career. He cherished his 53-year marriage, valued family adventures, and shared passions such as fishing, running, and dancing. Active in his community, he was involved in organizations like The STAGGS and The Bunch Club and enjoyed cultural events. He was also a devoted parishioner St. Genevieve Catholic Church, where he served on multiple committees.
Preceded in death by his parents, Michael Ernest Lavigne, Sr. and Dorothy Ann Balthazar Lavigne, and three of his siblings, Larry Lavigne, Ann Lavigne and Aaron Lavigne. He is survived by his wife Carol Adey Lavigne, his children Michelle Lavigne Martinez (Jose), Michael Ernest Lavigne, III (Anne) and Justin Robert Lavigne, grandchildren, Sydney Lavigne, Michael Ernest Lavigne IV, Dominic Martinez, Simone Martinez and Collins Andollina (Shannon), brother Raymond Nathaniel Lavigne, Sr., niece, Kristin Lavigne Drake (Robert), nephews, Raymond Nathaniel Lavigne, Jr. and Robert Ignatius Lavigne (Erica), grandnieces and nephews, extended family, colleagues and friends.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.
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We miss you so much, Mike
We miss you more than words can say, more than tears can cry. You were a wonderful human being as well as a tremendous Physician. You shall be value and treasured by us forever.
Until we meet again,
Larry and Marilyn Vandergriff
Larry and Marilyn Vandergriff
March 15, 2025 | Poplarville, MS
Father´s Day, 6/16/ 2024 Happy First Father´s Day in Heaven to Dr. Michael Lavigne. You were absolutely the best among the best of my physicians-kind, compassionate, soft-spoken, with superb bedside manners and superior medical skills!Thank God for your service and kindness as you celebrate your Blessed and Special day today in Heaven. I extend my deepest condolences to your wife, children, grands and other loved ones. Today, I especially extend a loving hand to your children for the loss...
Kelly Whitaker
June 16, 2024 | Other
Michael was a wonderful friend and Physician to me. I can never express the shock and profound sadness I am feeling. Michael was one those who gave more than he received. I will miss his warm loving greetings, quiet counsel, friendship and the most superb medical care any patient could have. This Man had an ANGELIC AURA. And To Heaven, He has returned. Rest in Peace my wonderful friend MICHAEL ERNEST LAVIGNE, MD
KIRBY A. GREEN
May 22, 2024 | PASS CHRISTIAN, MS | Friend
I think of how easy Dr.Lavigne was to work with. He treated the staff with respect and at Christmas treated us with the most elaborate candies and foods! God be with his family. Anita Holland RN
Anita Holland
April 25, 2024 | Work
Dr. Lavigne was an incredible inspiration in my life. As a child, I spent time playing at his home, where he always treated me with kindness, dignity, and respect. Growing up alongside his son, Justin, who was a childhood friend of mine, I witnessed firsthand the immense amount of time and dedication Dr. Lavigne put into his work and his family.
Some of my fondest childhood memories, like my first boat ride, trips to his camp, and attending Saints games, were all thanks to the...
Jeremy Pichon
April 24, 2024 | Slidell | Family
Deepest sympathy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Love, Mr. & Mrs. Shirley Thomas
Shirley Thomas
April 24, 2024 | Friend
Farewell, Dear Friend, Maureen
Maureen Prevost
April 24, 2024 | INDIANAPOLIS
Love you Michael, may you rest in peace❤we had such a lovely childhood in the 7 ward.
Merle and Chester Humphreys
April 23, 2024 | Friend
My condolences to his family,friends, colleagues, and associates. I knew him from my tenure at the former Hotel Dieu Hospital. R.I.P.
Andrea Brisco
April 23, 2024 | Opelousas, LA | Coworker