Rita Dolores Babin LeBlanc

Rita Dolores Babin LeBlanc, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday January 24, 2025. A native of Carville, Louisiana, Dolores was the beloved daughter of Windom and Elsie Babin. She graduated from St. Gabriel High School where she met and married her husband, Donald. They shared 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2006. Early in their marriage, they lived in San Diego, California while Donald served in the United States Marine Corps. There they formed lasting friendships, but always longed to return to their Louisiana roots, which they did in 1957.

Dolores and Donald loved to travel which they often did with their siblings, visiting various destinations across the U.S. and Canada. For 55 years, she loved and lived in the same home in Baton Rouge where she raised her children and welcomed relatives and friends with warmth and hospitality. Prior to her illness, Dolores was an active parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church where she participated in the Altar Society, Knights of Columbus Ladies’ auxiliary and the sewing guild. A talented seamstress, she lovingly created many outfits for her children and grandchildren through the years. She also found joy in working outdoors in her garden, cooking and baking. Her Sunday meals, especially her roast and rice & gravy, were a cherished tradition for her children and grandchildren.

Above all, Dolores will be remembered for the deep love she poured into her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her devotion to her family was evident in everything she did, and she took great pride in nurturing and supporting them. Those who called her: Mama, Ms. Dolores, Maw Maw, Aunt Dolores, Ms. Rita, Lori, Dee and Nanny will miss her dearly!

Dolores is survived by her four children and their spouses: Keith LeBlanc (Kelly Monnahan) of Boston, Massachusetts; Pam Dicapo (Marcel) of Baton Rouge; Charlotte Thibodeaux (Alan) of Baton Rouge; and Deborah Rivault (Mike) of Mandeville, Louisiana; six grandchildren: Laura Dicapo, Taylor Thibodeaux, Hayes Rivault (Elizabeth), Mark Thibodeaux, Miles Rivault, Alyse Rivault as well as two great grandchildren: Ted Rivault and Mary Beth Rivault. Also survived by her sister, Jerline “Jerry” Hebert and more than 30 nieces and nephews. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Ralph Babin and Carol Landaiche.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dolores’ devoted caregiver, Mia, who became like a fourth daughter to her and to all those who remembered them in their thoughts and prayers

Visitation will be at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church at 10 am with mass of Christian burial at 11 am on Tuesday February 4, 2025.

Entombment to follow in St. Gabriel Catholic Church Mausoleum, St. Gabriel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Friends of Hilltop Arboretum.