Kathleen Budd LeBouef

Kathleen Budd LeBouef passed away peacefully at her residence, surrounded by love, on August 4, 2025. She was 75 years old.

Born on October 7, 1949, in Opelousas, Louisiana, Kathleen was the beloved daughter of the late Charles J. “Buddy” Budd, Jr. and Virginia Latour Budd. A proud graduate of the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, Kathleen was honored by her peers as “Miss Darling,” and crowned as Homecoming Queen. She was also one of the spirited “Yammettes,” traveling across the region to promote the Yambilee Festival and the yam industry that her hometown so proudly celebrated.

Kathleen went on to Northwestern State University, where she earned both accolades and a degree—serving as both “Lady of the Bracelet” and Northwestern’s Homecoming Queen before graduating in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree. Her career as a licensed clinical social worker was marked by compassion and advocacy, focusing first on substance abuse counseling from 1972–1983, then expanding into private practice until her retirement in 2004.

A woman of deep conviction and compassion, Kathleen considered one of her proudest moments to be marching in Washington, D.C. in 1976, carrying the banner for the Equal Rights Amendment; and one of her proudest accomplishments was playing a role in opening a battered women’s shelter in Lafayette several decades ago—efforts that reflected her lifelong dedication to justice, dignity, and care for others. Her greatest pride and purest joy, however, came later in her role as “Amie” to her grandchildren, who were the absolute lights of her life.

In 1983, Kathleen married the love of her life, Dr. Corbett J. LeBouef. Their 35-year marriage was one of deep affection, joy, and shared purpose until his passing in 2018.

Kathleen’s intellect was matched only by her wit—both sharp, quick, and impossible to ignore. She possessed a fiercely independent spirit and a deep well of compassion. Her life was a beautiful blend of strength and tenderness, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Virginia Budd, her brother, Charles Joseph “CJ” Budd III, and her husband, Dr. Corbett J. LeBouef.

Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, TJ, Tate, and Jenna Teicher, Corbett J. “Chip” LeBouef IV (Elizabeth), Leah LeBouef Servat (Ryan), Donald Oliver (Paige), and Danielle Oliver Albares (Paul); her daughter Vanessa Kaposta; her son-in-law Timothy Teicher; her stepchildren Corbett J. “Cobb” LeBouef III (Stephanie), Lisa LeBouef Oliver (Tim); and her great-grandchildren, Corbett, Samuel and Harrison LeBouef, Nancy-Grace and John-Ryan Servat, Hazel Oliver and Paul Albares. She is also survived by a host of dearly loved cousins, many cherished friends and her favorite companion of all, her sweet pup, Ben.

Kathleen’s life will be honored at a funeral mass, beginning with a Rosary, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kathleen’s memory to the Dr. Corbett LeBouef Endowment at Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503.

Phone: (337) 232-1234

www.hospiceofacadiana.com