Theresa Melancon Latiolais, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and dear friend passed away just after midnight May 12, 2022 on the anniversary of her husband’s passing 22 years ago. With her family at her side, Theresa gently closed her eyes to this earthly life and entered into her eternal glory. She was 96
Theresa was the second of six children born to the late Anicet Melancon and Louise Gautreaux Melancon. As a child, she grew up in a family steeped in Cajun heritage that taught her the values of faith, family and hard work. Early on, she learned woodworking and carpentry, a skill passed down in the family from generation to generation, and would be the foundation for she and her husband’s longstanding construction business in St. Martin Parish. Theresa met Patrick Robert Latiolais, an Army soldier who served during World War II, and they were married and raised a beautiful family of two girls and three boys.
Together, Theresa and Patrick operated Pat Latiolais Building Materials and Pat Latiolais, Inc., a trusted construction company operating for over 35 years. While her husband was out building houses, Theresa ran the business and tended to their many loyal customers. Her children boasted about how their mom even cooked at the business to ensure that no one was hungry during the day.
Outside of their successful business, Theresa had many pastimes and devotions that kept her busy. It was said that she was not one to sit idle and made use of time. As a skilled self-taught seamstress, Theresa made her children’s clothing that was envied by all, and even her husband’s suits. She planted flower beds, tended to her yard and took on any project needed around her house. Nothing was too big for her to take care of. And while home was where she longed to be, she did venture out with her family on trips. She traveled extensively throughout the states and had a very memorable trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Rome.
Theresa will also be remembered for her kind heart and passion for giving of her time. She was a longtime parishioner and supporter of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, a member of the Ladies Altar Society, and the Ladies Auxilliary of the American Legion.
Above all, Theresa loved and cherished her family beyond all measure. She spoiled her grandchildren with love, and everyone she met with kindness and friendship. She now rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Rest well momma, for we will be reunited one day.
Those left to cherish her memory are her five children, Raymond J. Latiolais (Pearl), Calvin John Latiolais (Tina), Kenneth Paul Latiolais (Becky), Loretta Latiolais Broussard and Glenda Latiolais Neuville; 13 grandchildren, Kyle Broussard, Tiffany Latiolais, Travis Latiolais, Tammi Latiolais, Terri Green, Jason Latiolais, Brandi Walet, Misty Delahoussaye, Lacey Fontenot, Dusty Neuville, Tracy Latiolais, Brad LeBlanc and Jamie Guillotte; 23 great grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; and her brother, Dan Melancon (Theresa).
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Robert Latiolais; her grandson, Dr. Lon Latiolais; and her siblings, A J Melancon, Lena Crafton, Elsie Vaughn and Mary Lou Barras.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Theresa’s life will be held at 10:00 am Monday, May 16, 2022 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. Fr. Ed Degeyter will be the celebrant. Following the mass, Theresa will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St. Michaels Cemetery in St. Martinville.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Dion Hall in Catahoula Sunday, May 15, from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Monday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am dismissal.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kyle Broussard, Dusty Neuville, Travis Latiolais, Jason Latiolais, Tracy Latiolais, Shane Walet, Kevin Green and Cory Latiolais.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Grace Home Health and Hospice of Acadiana, and a very special thank you to her son and daughter-in-law, Calvin and Tina Latiolais for their constant care and love of our dear mother for the last year and a half.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories by visiting Theresa’s memorial page at www.evangelinestmartin.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.
