Bennel Marie Harp

Bennel Marie Harp, born January 31, 1952, joined her mother, father, brothers, and the angels in eternal rest on September 11, 2025. She was the kind of woman who lived life exactly on her own terms, with no need for pretense or polish. Unbothered by material things and indifferent to vanity, she spoke her mind with refreshing honesty and compassion. Those who knew her quickly realized that her directness was matched only by her kindness.

She was generous with her time, her friendship, and her heart—always shining light on others, never seeking the spotlight herself. An athlete in her younger years, she spent time as a florist before stepping into her true calling: a long and respected career in Corrections. There, she earned admiration not from demanding respect, but from giving it freely and consistently through her actions. Quietly powerful and unassuming, she embodied authenticity in every chapter of her life.

Though she never had children of her own, she adored her nieces, nephews, and the children of her closest friends, many of whom she claimed as her own in the way only she could. She valued family, friendship, comfort, and good conversation—often accompanied by a cold beer. Her life was a rare and striking blend of strength, humor, loyalty, and independence. She will be deeply missed by her family, her circle of friends, and all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her devoted sister and brother-in-law, Donna and EJ Hahn; brother, Sidney L. Harp II, and his wife, Brenda; nieces and nephews, Lydia Hahn, Eddie Hahn (Candi), Courtney Cassard (Gerald), Amy LaGraize (Paul), and Brooke Hebert; great-nieces and nephews, Breanna Hahn, Darren Hahn, Dlayna Jackson, Camille Hahn Ramos, Elbie Hahn, Cruz Cassard, Thomas LaGraize, Harper LaGraize, Noah Hebert, and Adam Hebert; and great-great-nieces, Bry’Onna Hahn, Brayla Steward, and Brinique Steward; along with a host of special friends, including her chosen family- Dana Aucoin, Kurt Westerman, Cameran Aucoin and Deanie Daigle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bennett Robert and Elsie Ourso Harp; brothers, Wayne Richardson-Harp and Bennett Robert Harp Jr.; grandparents, Sidney and Aimee Falcon Ourso and Sidney and Flossie Babin Harp; and a great-niece, Lytecianna Hahn.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation and memorial Mass on Saturday, September 20th at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi Street, Donaldsonville from 8:30am until mass time at 11:00am. Interment to follow in Ascension Catholic Cemetery. Father Matt Dupre will be officiating. Feel free to come comfortably, as Bennel was not a fan of dress shoes or fancy attire! If you know, you know!