Gloria Laiche Stelly, a native of St. Amant and resident of Gonzales, passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 84 surrounded by her family. Gloria was born on September 30, 1940 in St. Amant, Louisiana to Burris and Stelma Laiche. She was the first of their nine children. She met her future husband, Floyd Stelly, while working and living in New Orleans. They married shortly after on December 1, 1962, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant. Gloria and Floyd were quick to help anyone in need, especially family and friends. God and family were their top priorities as was evidenced daily in their works and actions. Gloria’s service to her community began in the early 1970’s at St. Theresa of Avila school where she served many years as chairperson for the Fair Committee and the Room Mothers. Later, she worked closely with Myria Andre-Martin, founder of Connections for Life, which helped women get their lives back together after serving time in prison. For many years, she volunteered and worked closely with Sr. Lydia Champagne and Sr. Kathleen Babin at the St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Baton Rouge, along with her dear friend, Linda Templet. Gloria was also very active in her church parish of St. Theresa where she served in many ways including food bank, bereavement, and Eucharistic Minister. Gloria loved traveling and was quickly on board for any adventure anywhere. Her favorite European traveling companions were her husband and her cousin L.J. St. Pierre and his wife, Jennie. The stories they shared from their many excursions were countless and very entertaining. She also loved socializing with friends, playing games, working in her yard, and eating a good meal, but her greatest joy was spending time with her six grandchildren. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Stelly; son, Greg Stelly; brothers, John “JB” Laiche and Terry Paul Laiche, Sr.; sisters, Glendora White and Evelyn White; nephew, Chase Laiche; niece, Tina Lanoux. She is survived by her brother, Stanley Laiche; sisters, Shirley Gautreau, Peggy Britton, and Lorraine Salzman; daughter, Monica (Darren) Speligene; and grandchildren, Devin Speligene (Jacee), Cecily Stelly, Marina Speligene (Alex Merkle), Easton Stelly, Michaela McInnis (Nick), Melisse Speligene; and great granddaughter, Averi Stelly. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00am. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation beginning at 9 am. until mass. Internment will follow immediately at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darren Speligene, Devin Speligene, Easton Stelly, Shane Barthelemy, Alex Merkle, and Nick McInnis. Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Laiche, and L.J. St. Pierre. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Azalea Estates, The Pearl at Jamestown, The Parc Assisted Living, and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their care and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
