Catherine Chapman Thibodeaux

Catherine Chapman Thibodeaux, 78, born January 31, 1948, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2026, after a brief illness. She resided in both Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the mountains of Western North Carolina, and will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew and loved her.

Catherine’s life was marked by steady devotion—to her family, to her faith, and to the quiet, daily work of showing up for others with gentleness and patience. A lifelong learner, she graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte in 1965 and later earned a BS in Business Education from USL in Lafayette in 1973.

In her work as a yoga teacher, Catherine offered more than instruction; she brought a calm presence and a generous spirit that reflected her selfless care for others. She also supported many charitable organizations, giving faithfully and consistently in ways that spoke to her loyal heart and her desire to lift those around her.

Catherine was an avid reader and a lover of music, with a deep appreciation for nature and all of God’s creations. She especially adored her peaceful setting in the mountains of North Carolina, a place that suited her reflective spirit and sense of wonder. A world traveler and adventurer, she embraced life with curiosity and courage, while remaining grounded in a faith that shaped her days. She was a member of numerous non-denominational churches, and her life reflected the fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To many, she was a great listener; if someone needed a shoulder to cry on, Catherine was there—steady, present, and compassionate.

Catherine is survived by her husband of 60 years, Keith Thibodeaux; her daughters, Monique Thibodeaux Jackson (David Jackson) and Denise Thibodeaux; her grandchildren, Nevaeh, Daisy, Chanel and Zendaya Jackson, and Aidyn Thibodeaux; her brother, Alex "Sonny" Chapman; as well as her “sisters,” Cynthia “Pinky” Vidrine (Clyde Vidrine) and Susie Soileau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexon and Winnie Chapman; her sisters, Connie Johnson, Janet Ardoin and husband Jerry Ardoin, and Marilyn Chapman; and her sister-in-law, Alicia Chapman.

Catherine will be remembered as a beloved wife of 60 years, a loving mother and grandmother, and a faithful presence whose gentle strength brought comfort to others. Mama Cat, as she was endearingly referred to, was brought a tremendous amount of happiness in her later years by her beloved Grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the kindness she extended, and the quiet grace with which she walked through the world.

Relatives and friends are invited to the chapel of Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. on Saturday, September 5, 2026 for a visitation beginning at 10:00AM until a Memorial Service beginning at 11:30AM with a reception to follow. An inurnment at the Garden of Peace and memorial columbarium located at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, on Marquette St., Baton Rouge will begin at 3:00PM. In Lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in Catherine’s name either to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, or your favorite charity.