Ruth Dorsa Fontenelle

Ruth Dorsa Fontenelle passed away peacefully at her home in River Ridge, LA on February 15, 2025, following a lengthy illness. She was born on February 1, 1931 in New Orleans, LA to Theodore and Helen Dorsa and was raised there, where she attended grade school and graduated from Sacred Heart Canal High School. She went on to attend Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated in 1953. She married Roy Fontenelle and they had seven children.

Ruth was an active member of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in River Ridge, LA for over fifty years and was a beloved elementary school teacher there. After retiring, she travelled to many countries overseas with her friends and spent time vacationing with her children in the US. Her proudest achievement and greatest joy was her family. She demonstrated a tremendous capacity for love and forgiveness with her family and friends and inspired all who knew her with her unwavering faith and gracious spirit.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, Theodore, Lawrence and Robert Dorsa, her son, Wayne Fontenelle and her daughter, Gail Glesener. She is survived by her sons, Gary Fontenelle (Suzy), Steve Fontenelle, Charlie Fontenelle (Bridget), John Fontenelle (Celeste), daughter, Rene’ Brockhoeft, Daughter-In-Law, Kate Gundersen, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm with visitation to be held there from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm before the mass. Interment will be in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. Ruth’s family would like to thank Rhonda Manuel for all the love and compassionate care that she provided her over the last five years of her life. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.