Melissa Baudin Gannuch

Melissa Michelle Baudin Gannuch, born May 14, 1972, and a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 14, 2025, at the age of 52. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Herbert Forsyth, Sr. and Roesmary Catoire Forsyth, and paternal grandparents Bernard M. Baudin, Sr. and Dolores Esler Baudin. She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Craig Gannuch, her three beloved children, Justin, Ella, and Andrew Gannuch, parents Bernard M. Baudin, Jr. and Katherine Forsyth Baudin, sisters Lori Baudin Smith (Jon), Christine Baudin Hernandez (Christopher), Elizabeth Baudin Gaudet (Nathan), and ten nieces and nephews that she adored.

Melissa was born in Metairie, Louisiana, and resided in Baton Rouge for the last 26 years. She graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican High School, class of 1990, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans, in 1994, and while working full-time, earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, in 1998. She began her career in New Orleans with National Fruit Flavor Company and Productivity Point International. She moved to Baton Rouge in 1998 and worked as a Trust Development Officer with Hibernia National Bank before beginning a career in state government in 2005. Melissa served in the Administrative Services Division under three Attorneys General over nineteen years, holding the roles of Budget Analyst and Deputy Undersecretary. She left the Attorney General's Office in 2024 to join Governor Jeff Landry's Office as Director of Administration and Finance, a position she held until her passing. She loved all of her roles, the people she met and worked alongside, and serving the people of Louisiana, making lasting friendships and memories along the way.

Melissa faced each day with unbridled enthusiasm and full hope. She greeted everyone she met with a warm, bright smile that reflected the inner peace in her heart. Melissa lived by faith, believing that the way to His kingdom was built on choosing kindness and compassion at every opportunity.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Inurnment at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Woman’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baton Rouge General Hospital, and Clarity Hospice for their exceptional and kind care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos at Seelos.org, the Sister Dulce Foundation at cypressspringsprayercenter.org.