Patricia "Pat" Hirschmann Lafleur

Patricia “Pat” Joy Hirschmann Lafleur, 93, was called home by God on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025, at her daughter’s home in LaPlace. She was born Sept. 3, 1932, in New Orleans to Jacob Hirschmann, DDS, and Gladys Dupeire Hirschmann, both deceased. Pat married James Isaac Lafleur who passed away one month shy of their 50-year anniversary. She had three children: Tanya, Robin and Candace. Pat’s family was her life, and she dearly loved her children and grandchildren.

Pat spent her childhood in Port Allen and had wonderful memories of taking the ferry to Baton Rouge to help her father in his dental practice, and to attend St. Joseph Academy. Sadly, upon the death of her mother, Pat left the Academy school to attend local nearby public school to help assist her two younger brothers. She graduated from Port Allen High School.

The five loves of Pat’s life were God, her husband, her family, her gardening, and her animals. She was a faithful member of St. Louis King of France and later Ascension of Lord Catholic Church of LaPlace. Pat was a patient and compassionate wife through her husband’s many challenges with Alzheimer’s Disease and heart disease. She was a loving mother and was active in her children’s school activities. Pat loved bargain hunting and shopping at garage sales, always scouting for gifts for her grandchildren.

Pat loved her Shih Tzus and showing her beautiful Persian cats, winning awards including best-in-shows. But most of all, Pat cultivated perseverance in dealing with loss; losing her mother at age 14, stepping up to help raise her brothers, caring for her husband and fighting multiple health battles including cancer twice, kidney disease and the loss of her hearing, her sight and her memories.

Pat is survived by her children Tanya and husband Mike Lewis, LaPlace; Robin and wife Carmen Lafleur, Denham Springs; and Candace and husband Don Patterson, Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren Renée Lewis, DVM, and husband Erik Herrmann, Henderson, Nev.; Ryan Lafleur, Denham Springs; Elisheva Patterson, JD, and husband Kurt Sundell, PhD., Pocatello, Idaho; Sarah Patterson and husband Joel Thomas, Pleasant Hill, Calif.; and Rebekah Patterson and husband Brett Spurlock, Fairway, Kan.; and great-granddaughter Sylvie Spurlock, also of Fairway. Pat is survived by a sister-in-law Gail Hirschmann, and niece Jacquelyn Hirschmann, both of Houston. Pat is also survived by her lifelong friend Mildred Amedee Mumphrey, Baton Rouge.

Pat was predeceased by her husband James Lafleur, younger brothers Irvin Hirschmann and Jada Hirschmann.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice of New Orleans for their gentle guidance and support during Pat’s final days. Tanya and her husband Mike lovingly cared for Pat in their home for the past nine years. No words can express our appreciation and acknowledge the level of care they provided through Pat’s medical issues, including special diets and amazing accommodation for her comfort and well-being.

Arrangements are in the care of Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. with services following at 11 a.m.