Geraldine "Dean" Fontenot, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 91. A longtime resident of Ville Platte, Dean lived a life filled with love, kindness, faith, and service to others.

Born on March 9, 1935, in Ville Platte to the late Ferrin "Ferrin" Brunet and Edna Brunet, Dean was raised in Point Blue and graduated from Chataignier High School with the Class of 1953. She proudly held the distinction of being the Homecoming Queen during the only year Chataignier High School fielded a football team, a memory she cherished throughout her life.

Dean dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a nurse at the former Dupre Hospital in Ville Platte under the direction of Dr. Aswell. Throughout the years, she also worked at the Dollar Store and served as a teacher's aide at James Stephens Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless children. Her generous spirit continued through many years of volunteer service with Share and Care, where she faithfully gave her time to help those in need.

A gifted quilter and seamstress, Dean found great joy in creating beautiful handmade treasures for her family and friends. She also enjoyed reading and treasured the simple pleasures of life, especially the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her gentle heart, unwavering faith, and loving nature will be remembered by all who knew her.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her five children: Joan (Rudy) Fusilier, Ralph Fontenot, Fran Manuel, Lonnie Fontenot, and Whitney Fontenot.

She was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Jacob Fusilier, Benjamin Fusilier, Lauren Fusilier, Kelley Trahan, Steven Fontenot, Justin Fontenot, Megan Manuel, Journey Manuel, Garrett Fontenot, and Quint Fontenot. She was also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren: Zachery, Slade, Cru, Adalie, Kailie, Payton. Darus, Gabriel, Lillian, Iris, Theodore, Garrett, and Quint.

Dean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Perry Lee Fontenot; her parents, Ferrin "Ferrin" and Edna Brunet; her brothers, Ralph Brunet, Daniel Brunet, and Ferdi Bruney; and her sister, Mercidine Mitchell.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation and remembrance on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A prayerful recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., led by Deacon Tim Donovan. Visitation will resume Monday, June 29, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. until time of dismissal.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, officiated by Father Stephen Pellessier. Interment will follow in Evangeline Memorial Cemetery.

Dean's legacy is one of compassion, humility, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and a community made better by her generous heart. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.