Mary Manuel DeRouen

Mary Manuel DeRouen, a cherished mother, beloved grandmother, loving great grandmother and dear sister peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 28,2025, at the age of 86. Born on November 4, 1938, in L'Anse Aux Pailles Louisiana, Mary dedicated her life to the family she adored, leaving behind a legacy woven with kindness and unwavering devotion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church on Friday, October 31, 2025 with Father Stephen Pellesier officiating. Burial will follow at Evangeline Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her many wonderful memories, her daughters, Mellie DeRouen and her husband, KC Heller of Atlanta, and Margaret DeRouen of Ville Platte; her sons, Pat DeRouen, Jr. and his wife, Lisa (Soileau) DeRouen of Ville Platte and Greg DeRouen and his wife, Tracy (Stagg) DeRouen of Whiteville; and her grandchildren, M’Lea DeRouen Talbot and husband, Everette of Houma, Elby DeRouen and wife, Jennifer (Fontenot) of Ville Platte, Brad DeRouen of Whiteville, Sam Heller of Boston and Caroline DeRouen Shipp and husband, Seth of Whiteville along with 9 great-grandchildren and her brother, Wallence Ardoin.

Mary joins in heaven her loving husband of 56 years, Pat DeRouen, Sr., parents, Elby and Melba Manuel, and her devoted grandmother, Blanchette Chapman who raised her from 3 months old until her marriage.

Mary’s legacy includes her tremendous talent for cooking and entertaining. She put love in all of it, from her award winning seafood stuffing, the countless carved melon and fruit displays to family favorites like shrimp molds, French toast and red velvet cakes (the list is long). Along with raising her four children, she worked outside the home, first keeping the books for the family business, as a store clerk at various Ville Platte businesses and as a teacher’s aide, including for the CODOFIL program (which completed a full circle, after being punished for speaking French when starting school). She spoke often of her fond memories of attending school in Chataignier until the 8th grade then she attended Ville Platte High and joined the band. She loved her time there and loved the reunions and catching up with classmates and reminiscing about the wonderful teachers, particularly Ms. Linda Latour.

A visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Friday, October 31, 2025, beginning at 9 AM until time of serive. A Rosary will be recited in her honor at 1 PM followed by the Funeral Mass at 2 PM and burial immediately following the Mass.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was entrusted with arrangements and invites family and friends to leave condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.