Nellwyn Smith Lavigne

Born in Gonzales, Louisiana, and a longtime resident of Prairieville, Nellwyn lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to those she held dear. She had a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and a special way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, Nellwyn never hesitated to offer kindness, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Nellwyn found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved sewing, arts and crafts, hunting, and fishing, but nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family. She treasured holidays, family gatherings, shared meals, and everyday moments together. Her greatest pride was watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and flourish. The memories she created with them will be cherished forever.

To her family, Nellwyn was more than a mother and grandmother. She was their safe place, their biggest supporter, and the heart of the family. She taught by example, showing the importance of love, loyalty, hard work, and compassion. Her warmth filled every room, and her love left a lasting mark on the lives of all who knew her.

Nellwyn is lovingly survived by her children, Terry Lavigne (Terry), Tracy Lavigne Brister (Randy), Troy Lavigne (Debra), and Todd Lavigne (Erin); her daughter-at-heart, Lisa Tate; her grandchildren, Cindi Lavigne, Bree Lavigne (Caleb), Michael Lavigne (Jennifer), Colby Lavigne (Callie), Cierra Lavigne, Courtney Millien (Cody), and Carson Lavigne; her granddaughter-at-heart, Melissa Roy; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Tenley Lavigne, Lucas Lavigne, Finn Normand, Ellory Normand, Brooklynn Maxwell, and Addison Lavigne. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by her love and kindness.

Nellwyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Lavigne; her parents, Melvin and Vesta Smith; and her sisters, Marlene Smith Dupeire and Nita Smith Hudson.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Nellwyn's life at St. John Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Hope Haven Cemetery in Prairieville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Ascension Oaks Nursing Home and Hospice of Baton Rouge for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed Nellwyn and her loved ones.

Although our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment, every lesson, every hug, and every memory we were blessed to share with Nellwyn. Her love was a gift that touched generations, and that love will continue to live on in each of us. We will miss her laugh, her smile, her comforting presence, and the way she made every family gathering feel complete. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that the love she so freely gave remains woven into the lives of all who knew her. Until we meet again, she will remain forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.