Vita Rose Cantrelle Lauga

On February 14, 2025, as the world celebrated love, Vita Rose Cantrelle Lauga was embraced by the greatest love of all. At 84 years old, she peacefully left this world, surrounded by family, stepping into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She spent her final days just as she had spent her life, wrapped in music, laughter, and the love of those who cherished her.

Born in New Orleans on November 11, 1940, to Frank and Beatrice Cantrelle, Vita’s life was a beautiful story of faith, family, and joy. She met the love of her life, Leonard “Mack” Lauga, in 1957 at the Camilla Club, where they danced the night away. That one dance turned into a lifetime of love, spanning 66 years of marriage. Mack and Vita were always holding hands. Not a day went by without them sharing a kiss—one to say good morning and another to say good night.

Vita was more than a wife, mother, and grandmother, she was the heart of her family, the light in every room, and the voice that made everyone feel at home. Her children, Leonard Jr. (Elizabeth), Christi Johnson (Scott), and Sabrina Daniels (Chad), were blessed to grow up in a home filled with warmth, the aroma of home-cooked meals, and the unwavering presence of a mother who loved them fiercely. Her five grandchildren, Jacqueline Bourgeois (Connor), Samantha Wilkins (Chase), Sarah Watson, Christopher Johnson (Margo), and Amanda Crawford (Aaron), and three great-grandchildren, Rance Wilkins, Randi Rose Wilkins, and Madeline Bourgeois, were the jewels of her life. She was their Grami and MeMe and their constant source of love. Whether through FaceTime calls or visits filled with hugs and kisses, she made sure they always knew how much they were loved.

Vita’s home was a reflection of her spirit, vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. The Christmas tree never truly came down, transforming through the seasons into a Mardi Gras tree, an Easter tree, and later, a patriotic display of red, white, and blue. Her love for decorating wasn’t just about the ornaments or lights; it was about making every season feel magical for her family. Music filled her home, from the joyful sounds of Fats Domino to the comforting hymns of Alan Jackson’s gospel songs. Even in her final days, she tapped her feet in time, reminding everyone that the music never really ends, it just takes on a new rhythm.

Her kitchen was her sanctuary, a place where love was measured in teaspoons and memories were made around the table. There was always enough food for anyone who walked through her door, and her recipes became treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations. Her love for cooking, much like her love for her family, was abundant and never-ending.

A devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Violet, LA, Vita’s faith was her foundation. She walked through life with unwavering belief, finding strength in prayer and purpose in service. Even as she battled Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD), her spirit remained unshaken, and her faith never wavered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and Frank Cantrelle, her sister Joyce Bentivegna, and her brother Edwin Cantrelle. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mack, her sister Diane Taylor, her brother Frank Cantrelle, and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Her family is deeply grateful to the caregivers who became like family over the past five years, Lynette McKinsey, Helen Shelton, Brunette Sino, and her 24-hour care team, Terry Williams and Tracy Kimble. Their kindness and compassion provided comfort beyond words. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at Interim Hospice, Mary, Deadra, Brittany, Shannon, Melissa (Chaplain), Derrick and to Allan Molero for his guidance and care.

Vita’s life was a masterpiece of love, woven together by the people she held dear. Though she is no longer physically with us, her laughter echoes in the stories we tell, her love lingers in the traditions we carry on, and her spirit lives on in every song, every meal, every holiday decoration that brightens a home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support OPMD research at https://opmd.ejoinme.org/donate in her honor.

As Vita would say, “The door is always open, the food is always ready, and the music never stops”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2621 Colonial Blvd, Violet, LA 70092 on Thursday, February 20 from 10:30am-12:00pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 12pm. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA 70043.