Karen Jane Henry Guidry, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was 74.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Evangeline Funeral Home from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., with dismissal to church thereafter. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Karen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Rev. William C. Blanda, VF, will serve as celebrant. Following the Mass, Karen will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Holy Family Cemetery.
Karen was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Patrick Henry; and her parents, Ella Boudreaux Henry and Patrick “Pat” Antoine Henry of New Iberia.
She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, including her daughters, Elizabeth Resweber Alexandrian (Armen Alexandrian), and Katie Renee Guidry Laneaux (Gregory Marino); her grandchildren, Austin James Laneaux and Khloe Jane Laneaux; her sisters, Mary Ellen Henry Cronan and Susan Ann Henry Feller and husband David; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.
A graduate of Mount Carmel Academy, Class of 1969, Karen lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and music. She began studying piano at an early age, and what started as a childhood gift blossomed into both a lifelong profession and a ministry of service. For more than sixty years, Karen served as a respected church musician throughout Acadiana, providing music for Catholic Masses, weddings, funerals, and countless celebrations of life.
Her talents blessed many congregations throughout the region, including St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville, St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, as well as churches in Lydia, Coteau, Lafayette, and many surrounding communities. Along the way, she accompanied many of Acadiana’s finest musicians and formed lasting friendships with those who shared her love of sacred music.
Through her playing, Karen accompanied people during some of life's most meaningful and sacred moments—marriage, worship, mourning, remembrance, and prayer. She understood that church music was not merely a performance, but a calling to serve. She offered that service faithfully and humbly, and those who listened could feel the sincerity and devotion behind every note.
Karen devoted her life to God and to those she loved. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm sense of humor, steadfast faith, and the quiet strength with which she cared for others. Though often seated behind a piano or church organ, her presence filled every sanctuary she served. She possessed a rare gift for helping others find comfort, hope, and peace through music when words alone were not enough.
Above all else, Karen cherished her family. Her daughters and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she took immense pride in the family she nurtured and loved so deeply. To the many people she encountered throughout her life, she gave the gift of music. To her family, she gave the gift of herself.
Karen Jane Henry Guidry was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, fellow musicians, and the countless individuals whose lives were enriched by her music and faith. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the churches where she played, in the prayers she accompanied, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Karen’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
