Monica was a woman of many talents, with a special gift for working with her hands. She had a passion for sewing, painting, playing the piano, gardening, making jewelry, and creating stained glass art. Monica was a lover of many kinds of animals including her beloved pets.
Her home was a reflection of her creativity and love for beauty, as she enjoyed decorating it to perfection. She loved laughing with her sisters and brothers at family gatherings and dancing the jitterbug. She was also a member of the Lake Charles Messiah Choir, along with two of her sisters and two of her brothers. Above all, Monica’s greatest joy was her family—she adored her children and grandchildren, and they brought her immense happiness.
In her professional life, Monica found great fulfillment at Highlands Insurance in Houston, Texas, where she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the supervisor of 40 women and later serving as an assistant to the vice president. She was recognized for her dedication with awards from the Department of Defense and the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Monica, a lifelong learner, went on to retire as an administrative assistant at SOWELA, where she continued to make a lasting impression.
A proud former member of the Catholic Daughters of America, she was a devout believer in the power of prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Monica cherished her memories of "raising her two babies", whom she always referred to as her greatest accomplishments.
Monica will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity. Monica was always ready to lend a helping hand to any of the little ones. She lived her life by the guiding principle of her mother’s words: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jason Kyle Trahan and Stacia Anne Trahan Taylor; granddaughters, Kristin Taylor Edwards and husband Chase, Olivia Taylor and Emma Taylor; siblings, Billy Smith and wife Catherine, Loretta Guzman and husband Ralph, Belinda Smith, Pamela Smith, Tony Smith and wife Debbie, and Debra Frazer and husband Edward; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Willie Lou Smith; siblings, Alfred L. Smith, Charlene Smith, Patricia Vincent, D.J. Smith and George Smith.
The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Thursday, December 11, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church at 12:30 p.m. A rosary is to be prayed at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date.
Please leave fond memories for the Trahan family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
