Mary Eugenie “Genie” LaPlace passed away on September 1, 2021, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, at the age of 66. A native of Plaquemine, LA and a longtime resident of Sunshine, LA, Genie held a bachelor’s degree from LSU and lovingly raised a family of two sons with her adoring husband. She enjoyed singing in the St. Gabriel Catholic Church choir for most of her life; loved cooking so much that she created a salad dressing company, and especially loved making Christmas candies for friends and relatives. She loved vacationing with her family and savored special supper club trips with the Sandovals, Bonaventures and Addisons. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Steve LaPlace; son, Chase LaPlace and wife Julia; grandchildren, Alexa, Lucy, Lottie, Jules and Archie; parents, Frank and Dorella Banta; and brothers, Frank Banta, Jr. and wife Sandy, and Robert Banta, Sr. She was preceded in death by her son, Jared LaPlace and brother, Jamie Banta. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 12:00 pm at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in St. Gabriel, LA. Visitation will take place at church prior to the mass, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at the church mausoleum. Frank Banta, Jr., Robert Banta, Sr., Robbie Banta, Achille Fairchild, Tim LaPlace, Myron Culberson, Gabe Culberson, and Darian Spedale will serve as pallbearers. The family wishes that memorial contributions be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church or a charity of choice in lieu of flowers.
