Hazel Rita Maraist Beyt

New Iberia – Hazel Rita Maraist Beyt, 92, passed away peacefully at her New Iberia home on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Hazel was born in St. Martinville, Louisiana on June 21, 1933, to the late Albert Antoine and Cora Lee Broussard Maraist. Hazel made New Iberia her home since 1965, where she crafted a life filled with love and quiet joy.

Hazel was an excellent homemaker, tending her home with care and devotion. Her sanctuary was not only her home but also the beloved cats she adored. Cats weren’t just pets to Hazel; they were companions, confidants, and family. Her love for them was one of her defining joys, a tender reflection of her nurturing and warm-hearted nature.

A devoted wife, Hazel married Thomas Stephen Beyt on August 22, 1954. Their union, though now shadowed by Thomas’s earlier passing, was a lifelong covenant that shaped Hazel’s journey. Together, they shared countless moments, with Hazel often finding happiness in the simple traditions that bound family together.

Family Christmas celebrations held a special place in Hazel’s heart. She treasured the laughter, the shared meals, and the closeness that defined these holiday times. Though she and Thomas did not have children, Hazel’s family ties were profound. She was blessed with one sister, Regina Maraist, who remains a living testament to their inseparable bond. The two sisters shared a closeness and companionship that enriched their lives deeply.

Mrs. Beyt is survived by her beloved sister, Regina, whose lifelong companionship was a beacon of mutual support and understanding.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas.

Hazel leaves behind a world more colorful than she found it. She will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).