Stephanie Canatella Fontenot

Stephanie Canatella Fontenot, a New Orleans original who epitomized the spirit of Louisiana and an enduring joie de vivre, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on February 19, 1940, she lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, and love for all.

A native New Orleanian to her core, Stephanie carried the city's soul with her-festive, fun-loving, compassionate, and unsinkable. She was a survivor in every sense of the word. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she endured five grueling days waiting for rescue in the Louisiana Superdome. Afterwards, she rebuilt her life, making stops in Virginia, Florida, and back to Louisiana, ultimately settling in Virginia.

Stephanie was industrious and proud of her work. She spent 14 years as an office assistant with Shell Pipeline, where she was known for her reliability, warmth, and strong work ethic. Beyond her professional life, she was a gifted artisan. She made jewelry and crafts and was a superb seamstress, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity and patience-many of which remain cherished keepsakes among family and friends today.

Above all else, Stephanie loved her family deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rocco and Thelma Canatella; brothers Frank and Raymond; sisters Joyce Rasso and Lois Duplessis, daughter Maurine Goodman; and granddaughter Valerie Lewis.

She is survived by her son, Stephan Fontenot (Julie) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; her daughter, Melissa Fontenot (Garry) of Lafayette, Louisiana; her grandsons, Christopher Lewis of Florence, Oregon; and Jason Sonnier (Brittany) of Lafayette, Louisiana; and her granddaughters, Leah Hough (Jere'l) of Alexandria, Virginia; Kristina Johnson (Chris) of San Diego, California; Jordan Fontenot (Brad) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Taylor Fontenot (fiance Brooklyn) of Smithfield, Virginia. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Miles, Poppy, Jackson, Charles, Jace, Violet, Darcy, and Keira.

Stephanie lived fully and unapologetically. She loved laughter, color, and connection, and she gave generously of herself to those around her.

She will be remembered as a woman who was a friend to all. Her memory lives on in the stories told, the hands she guided, the things she made, and the love she left behind. And now, as she always proclaimed when she completed a quick task-as you watched-and in the truest New Orleans style and spirit: Voilà!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday May 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Altmeyer Funeral Home and Cremations, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, 23462. Altmeyer Funeral Home is both humbled and honored to be able to serve the Fontenot family during this difficult time.