Barbara Dupre Colligan

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Barbara Dupre Colligan at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Mitchell Guidry, followed by interment at Gate’s of Heaven Cemetery.

Barbara Dupre Colligan, 97, of Ville Platte, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 10, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Barbara was a loving wife to her husband, James Cecil Colligan (deceased) for 68 years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Born and raised in Ville Platte, Mrs. Colligan is fondly remembered as an elementary school teacher in Evangeline parish. An active parishioner of Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, Mrs. Colligan also taught summer Catechism classes. She shared her musical talent by playing piano for school functions. Her other community involvement included membership in the Magnolia Garden Club and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

Barbara loved traveling and camping with relatives and friends. Sewing, crochet, and handicraft activities as well. With an exceptional talent for hosting large family gatherings, her home became the favorite open house stop for all her nieces and nephews. Music could always be heard in her home whether it was Jazz, Classical, or the Rhapsody and Boogie Woogie she played on piano.

“Memom” as she was affectionately known, could usually be found tending her flower beds and rose garden. It was her prized herb garden she enjoyed most alongside her husband Cecil. “Memom” loved baking bread and incorporating fresh herbs into her recipes. Her homemade basil pesto was her signature gift she shared with friends and family members. Her backyard bounty provided fruit for blueberry delights and home-grown vegetables for canning and casseroles.

To the surprise of many, Barbara stayed current with technology. She utilized her home computer to do research and keep in touch with friends and relatives across the country. Always the educator, she could discuss current events and engage with every generation.

Above all, Memom created a welcoming oasis in the family home. Her children longed to return often for a delicious meal, good conversation, and open arms. Her gentle way of encouragement and comfort will be forever cherished.

She is survived by her sons; James “Jim” Colligan (Janice), Robert Colligan (Rachel), Ted Colligan (Kim), Kelly Colligan (Lisa) and daughters; Barbara “Babs” Bayard (William), Patrice Hemmi (Randy), and Connie Buller (Mark); 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Robert and Emily Dupre, husband; James Cecil Colligan, daughter; Mary Catherine Colligan, and in-laws; Joseph Bertrand and Louisiana Colligan, brothers; Emery Dupre, Ellis Dupre, Charles Dupre, and sisters; Elouise Bordelon, Yvonne Prudhomme, and Lura Jane Aswell.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 1:30 PM until time of service.

The family extends gratitude to her caregiver, Shawn Vidrine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart School Foundation.