Faye Soileau Proto

1952 - 2025

Faye Soileau Proto

August 18, 1952 - August 2, 2025

Faye Soileau Proto, cherished wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Faye was born on August 18, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The oldest of four girls, Faye was the beloved daughter of Gilbert and Jeannette Soileau, and grew up as part of a Navy family, traveling the country and experiencing life in many different places.

Faye met the love of her life, Paul, while working with the Henrico County government in 1972, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Faye and Paul celebrated 52 years of marriage in 2025. Despite facing continued health struggles throughout her life, Faye always remained a pillar of strength, devoted to her family and community. She found joy in being present for her children and staying actively involved in their lives and at their schools.

A vibrant soul, Faye enjoyed years of camaraderie on a bowling league and dedicated countless hours volunteering with the PTA. She also served as the president of the Richmond Ostomy Association, working to help others facing challenges similar to her own. Known for her generosity and hospitality, Faye always opened her heart and home to friends, family, and her children's friends, whom she treated like her own. There was always room at her table, where she would lovingly prepare gumbo and étouffée, bringing the flavors of her Cajun roots to Sunday dinners. Most importantly, these dinners were filled with love and laughter.

Faye and Paul enjoyed traveling, most especially to the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge mountains and Williamsburg, where many cherished memories with their children were made over the years. Faye's passion for her family was matched by her strong opinions and unshakable beliefs. She had a special fondness for flamingos, antiques, and collectibles, treasures she loved sharing with her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Faye is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Jeannette Soileau; and her brother-in-law, Mike Pocklington. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Paul Proto; her children, Annette Bates (John), Stephanie McAnally and Phillip Proto; four grandchildren, Audrey Bates, River Bates, Milo McAnally and Fiona McAnally; and three sisters, Deborah Byrd, Patty Soileau and Nancy Baughan (Bobby) along with nieces and nephews, an aunt and a multitude of cousins, who will continue to carry her memory with love and pride.

Though Faye is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched, and her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, and free from pain.

The family will welcome family and friends for a visitation on August 13th, at Woody's Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Faye's life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Road, Henrico, on Thursday, August 14th at 12:30 p.m. and graveside service will immediately follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ostomy Association of Greater Richmond in Faye's honor.