Barbara Smith Ourso

Barbara Smith Ourso, a cherished matriarch and devoted family pillar, passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2026, at the age of 95. Born in Donaldsonville, LA to Leona Blakeman Smith and Harry Samuel Smith, Barbara lived a life defined by grace, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family and her community.

Barbara graduated from Donaldsonville High School in 1947 and began working for Shell Oil Company. She married Falcon Patrick Ourso in 1954 and together they raised three children while helping to continue the family funeral home and starting businesses in the insurance and nursing home industries. Together she and Falcon built D’ville House Nursing Home, currently known as Château D’ville. After Falcon’s untimely passing, Barbara, widowed at the age of 46, was left to continue the business endeavors while raising her children.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Donaldsonville and recently honored by her faith community as the matriarch of their church.

Barbara’s lifelong commitment to community service and improvement of Donaldsonville was evident in her many committees and leadership roles. She served as a Board of Director of the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association, Ascension Heritage Foundation, Donaldsonville Marketing Team, Seniors and Lawman Together and many more. She was a founding member of the Donaldsonville AARP Chapter, Donaldsonville Women’s Business Professionals, and Donaldsonville Economic Development. In 1997 she was named Donaldsonville Citizen of the Year.

Known for her love of cooking, fabulous dinner parties, and entertaining, she created a welcoming home for family and friends. She was an avid sports enthusiast and loved watching basketball and football. Barbara was the definition of a “Die Hard” Saints fan, never missing a game since the inaugural 1967 season.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Falcon Patrick Ourso, who she is now reunited with after 49 years, her parents Harry and Leona Smith, and her siblings and their spouses: Harold Smith (Raine "Betty"), Gloria Long, Norma Vice (Ray), and son-n-law, the Honorable Pegram J. Mire.

Barbara is survived by her three children : Clifton Noel Ourso(Melanie), Smith Paul Ourso(Elda), and Karen Ourso Mire(Butch); her loving grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer Ourso Straney(Dr. Michael), Clifton Noel Ourso Jr.(Christine), Falcon John Mire(Miranda), John Lucien Mire, Samuel Ourso Mire, Jack Henry Ourso, Julia Leona Ourso, step-grandson Christopher Charles Becnel and step granddaughter Vanessa Mire; and great-grandchildren: Eleanor Ourso, Amelia Noel, and Joseph Fitzpatrick Straney and Gabriella Rose, Clifton Noel III, Porter Vincent and Cecily Claire Ourso, who were the joy of her later years.

Her legacy of love, faith, strength, and community will forever guide her family.

Visitation will be held on April 8th at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville from 5-9pm and April 9th from 9-11am at First United Methodist Church (400 Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville) with a funeral service conducted by Dr. John Fletcher. Interment will immediately follow at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clifton Ourso, Smith Ourso, Clifton Ourso Jr., Falcon Mire, John Mire, Samuel Mire, Jack Ourso, and Christopher Becnel.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her many caregivers at home and at Chateau D’ville.

Donations can be made to First United Methodist Church located at 400 Railroad Ave Donaldsonville, LA 70346.