Barbara Jean Cormier Martin

Barbara Jean Cormier Martin, age 68, passed away on April 29, 2026. Barbara was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She carried with her the strength, resilience, and deep-rooted love of family that defined her life. The kind of love that makes you feel safe, seen, and forever connected.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lloyd “Butch” Martin; her children, April Albarado (Jamie), Cheryl Caruso (Louis), Butch Martin (Nicole), Tammy Martin (Jacy Leech), and her caboose, Katelyn Martin; her grandchildren, Kristen Chapman, Christopher Chapman, Audrey Caruso, Raven Knoerr (Trace), Levi Martin, Elena Ozuna, Jade Martin, Brittney Brasseaux, and Joshua January; and her great-grandchildren, Dallas Jean Knoerr, Kori Jane Parr, Carmen Brasseaux, Chloe Brasseaux, and Carter Brasseaux. She is also survived by her sister, Marylou Cormier Lang; her godson, Jerry Lang; and her goddaughter, Michelle Lang.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Leona Bourg Cormier, and her siblings, Carol Cormier, Daniel Cormier, Larry Cormier, and Paul Cormier.

Barbara grew up in the city of New Orleans as the daughter of a police detective and a homemaker. She was the third youngest of Lester & Leona Cormier's eight children. Following her father's death around the age of 12, her mother settled in St. Bernard Parish. She would go on to build a life centered around what mattered most to her—her family.

Barbara married the love of her life, Lloyd “Butch” Martin, in 1974. Their story began as teenagers—meeting at just 13 and 15. By ages 16 and 18 they were married and soon after started a family. Over 52 years of marriage, five children, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, they built a life marked by enduring love, resilience, and commitment. Their relationship was one of deep affection and devotion—Butch never stopped courting her, whether it was dancing in the kitchen, picking wildflowers from the side of the road, writing love letters, or surprising her with small gifts. Together, they weathered the challenges of young love and life, always choosing each other.

Barbara found her greatest joy in being a homemaker, raising her children, and caring for her family while her husband worked long days and nights as a commercial fisherman and rancher. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, she and Butch relocated to Picayune, Mississippi, where she returned to working in the school cafeteria program—something she genuinely enjoyed—until her health led to her retirement in 2016.

Barbara had a disciplined, routine-oriented presence—she was a steady anchor for her family. She was a listener, a truth-teller, and someone who showed love not through empty words, but through consistency, honesty, and presence. She made time for people. She kept her promises. You never had to question how deeply you mattered.

Her home was a place of comfort and belonging—where meals were always ready, soap operas played in the background, and she was never far away. She loved the New Orleans Saints, her morning newspaper, her dogs, oldies music, family gatherings, theme parties, TikToks, and a good Netflix series. She had a way of making everyone feel like family, welcoming friends into her home and her life without hesitation.

Something she would say and truly lived by is the belief: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” She proved this time and time again by how fiercely she loved and how hard she fought for the people she cared about. Even in the face of lung disease, she pushed forward with determination, refusing to miss a single moment. Whether it meant hauling oxygen tanks, medical equipment, an electric scooter, a pharmacy, or anything else she needed, she showed up—for every milestone, every gathering, every opportunity to be with those she loved.

Relatives and friend are invited to a Celebration of Barbara’s life at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA 70043, on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Her Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm.

Barbara will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of calling her Dear, Mom, Mawmaw, Aunt Barbara, Sis, Friend.