It is with great sorrow and deep love that the Laviolette family announces the passing of Daisy Gardemal Laviolette, beloved matriarch and heart of the family. Daisy gently closed her eyes to this earthly life on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and entered into her eternal glory. She was 85 years old.
Born on June 10, 1940, in rural St. Martin Parish, Daisy was the cherished daughter of the late Marcel Gardemal and Linda Dugas Gardemal, and one of eight children born to their loving family. Raised in the rich traditions of Cajun heritage, Daisy carried with her throughout life the values of faith, kindness, hard work, and above all, devotion to family.
Daisy was married to the love of her life, Early Laviolette, and together they built a beautiful life centered on love, laughter, and family. They were blessed with four sons and a daughter, and their joy only grew as they welcomed grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren into their lives.
A hardworking and caring woman, Daisy spent many years employed outside the home. She worked for more than 20 years with Martin Mills and later with Catahoula Crawfish for Terry Guidry and Carl’s Seafood for Dale Barras. Yet her greatest work was caring for those she loved. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her husband, Early, and their daughter, Earline, offering constant love and selfless care. Her nurturing spirit extended to many family members and friends throughout the years.
Daisy was known not only for her loving heart but also for her joyful and fun-loving nature. She especially treasured trips to the casino with her sister, Theresa. Fondly known by family as “Lucy and Ethel,” the pair brought laughter wherever they went. One unforgettable memory shared by the family recalls the two sisters rushing into the casino so eagerly to play the slot machines that they accidentally left the car running the entire time they were inside. After hours of searching for their missing keys, they discovered the unlocked car still idling in the parking lot — a story that continues to bring smiles and laughter to all who knew them.
Some of Daisy’s happiest moments were the simple ones: Saturday trips to Richie’s for hot dogs with Early and their beloved dog, sitting together on the tailgate of the truck enjoying each other’s company. She also treasured holidays and Sunday family dinners, especially when everyone gathered under one roof. Daisy’s kitchen was the heart of the home, and her famous “gravy train”, or potato hash filled both stomachs and souls. Anyone welcomed to her table left feeling loved.
Above all else, Daisy found her greatest happiness in her family. Her grandchildren and their children were the light of her life, and nothing brought her more pride or joy than seeing her family together.
Though her family will miss her dearly, they take comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and the legacy of love she instilled in each of them. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Those left to cherish Daisy’s memory are her children, Errol Laviolette; David “Noonie” Laviolette and wife Peggy; Donnie “Bee” Laviolette and wife Julie; and Eric “Boo” Laviolette and wife Kim. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ty Laviolette, Britney Breaux (Chad), Kami Gardemal (Reuben), Tristan Demerest (Ryan), Janci Detwiler (David), Lyge Bienvenu (Toni), Erica Laviolette, Tori Laviolette, and Landon Laviolette; her great-grandchildren, Mica Laviolette (Courtney), Alexis Eschete (Trent), Nicholas Gardemal (Macy), Andrew Gardemal (Lynda), Molly Gardemal (Jensen), Isabella Gardemal, Elizabeth Gardemal, Sophia Thibodeaux, Lane Demerest, Halli Detwiler, Celia Detwiler, Abram Bienvenu, Quinn Bienvenu, and Kora Bienvenu; along with four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Early Laviolette; her daughter, Earline Laviolette Bienvenu; her grandson, Kalem Laviolette; her parents, Marcel and Linda Gardemal; her siblings, Juanita Gardemal, Hazel Stevens, Mazel Romero, Shirley Guidry, Theresa Barras, Marcel Gardemal, Jr., and Curtis Gardemal; and her faithful dog, Cookie.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Daisy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church with Fr. Bill Melancon officiating. Following the Mass, Daisy will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum in Catahoula.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Dion Hall in Catahoula on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the recitation of the rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. dismissal to church.
Serving as pallbearers are Bee Laviolette, Noonie Laviolette, Boo Laviolette, Reuben Gardemal, Ryan Demerest, and Landon Laviolette. Honorary pallbearers are Errol Laviolette, Lyge Bienvenu, Ty Laviolette, Chad Breaux, and David Detwiler.
Relatives and friends are invited to share condolences and memories of Daisy with the family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinestmartin.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
