Alice Babin Poché Murphy

Alice Babin Poché Murphy, 94, a lifelong resident of Louisiana, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 27, 2025, in Destrehan, surrounded by loved ones. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Alice will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and gracious spirit, qualities that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born on June 11, 1931, in New Sarpy, Louisiana, Alice was the daughter of Josephine Montaldo Babin and Joseph Oscar Babin. She grew up in a close-knit family where kindness, faith, and creativity were deeply valued. Her siblings—Hilda Babin Weber (Louis), Larry Joseph Babin (Doris), Mildred Babin Portera (Anthony), Judith Babin Caillouet (Stanford), and Lester John Babin—all preceded her in death, and together they helped shape the strong sense of family and community that Alice would later pass on to her own children.

Alice is preceded in death by her husbands, Paul Joseph Poché, Jr., and William Charles Murphy, Sr., and survived by her four devoted daughters, Kathy Poché Scanlan (Robert); Terry Poché Kerr (Kenneth); Wendy Poché Schoen (William); and Penny Poché Johnson (Walter). She is grandmother to Matthew Lee Stubbs (Gina), Logan Corbett Murden (Derek), Evan Jacob Schoen (Andrea), and Walter Johannes Johnson III (Hannah), and step grandmother to Robert Patrick Scanlan, Jr., and Sierra Ashley Kerr. She is survived by her great grandchildren: Sophie Leigh Stubbs, Foster Léon Johnson, Harrison August Murden, Daisy Evangeline Schoen and Greer Neomie Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her stepsons, William Charles Murphy, Jr. (Linda), Thomas Henry Murphy, and Keith James Murphy (Laura). She is survived by her stepdaughters Wendy Murphy (William Woodside), and Karen Murphy Parenteau (Bruce). Alice is step grandmother to Patrick Murphy, Jason Murphy, Quentin Murphy and Johonna Murphy, along with an extended family who will carry her legacy forward.

After graduating from beauty school, Alice began a successful career as a manicurist, where her exceptional skill quickly made her sought after. She worked at John Jay Beauty Salon during the 1960s, first in Lakeview and then the salon on Canal Street. Her professional reputation grew so distinguished that she was once personally chosen to serve the Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor during her visit to New Orleans. Eventually, Alice brought her artistry to Kenneth’s Coiffeurs in Metairie where she spent many rewarding years building friendships and loyal clients.

Alice’s career path evolved into advertising sales, where she brought the same energy and creativity to her work with The Clarion Herald in sales, and L‘ Observateur newspapers, where she was Advertising Manager. Later she sold ads for the St. Bernard Parish Telephone Directory and the Tri-Parish Telephone Directory. She earned recognition for her sales success and unwavering dedication, guided always by her belief in doing her best, no matter what the task.

Beyond her impressive professional life, Alice was known for the beauty she created within her home and heart. A gifted cook, she prepared wonderful meals that became the centerpiece of countless family gatherings. No one ever left her kitchen hungry; her generosity extended to neighbors, friends, and anyone who needed a kind word or a warm plate. Her creativity also blossomed in home décor sewing, upholstery, crocheting, and knitting—crafts she used to make her home sparkle with color and comfort while inspiring her daughters to express themselves through handiwork and art.

Faith remained a cornerstone of Alice’s life. A devout member of the Jehovah’s Witness community, she was steadfast in her service and regularly worshiped at the Kingdom Hall in LaPlace, Louisiana. Her deep love for Scripture guided her actions, and she often mailed handwritten prayers and Scriptures to friends and family, a simple but heartfelt reminder of her faith and affection.

A visitation on January 17, 2025, will be held in her honor at H.C. Alexander Funeral Home in Norco, Louisiana, at 9:00 am-12:00 pm, followed by burial at St. Charles Borromeo Mausoleum on River Road in Destrehan. A memorial service will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in LaPlace later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Alice’s name, a charity she wholeheartedly supported.

Her laughter, kindness, and steadfast faith will remain cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.