Mary Frances Gauthier Richard

St. Martinville, Louisiana - Mary Frances (Gauthier) Richard, born on August 17, 1946, known endearingly as "Heart" by family and close friends, joined Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Christmas Eve 2025 at the age of 79. Mary most enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids, Coen and Drew, and her forever loving and grateful son, Briar, whom she raised alone after the death of her husband, Benny, in October of 1985. Her immense Catholic faith, the loving support of the Gauthier and Richard families, friends, and her neighbors of nearly 35 years, the Sibilles, helped her to endure and flourish.

Born in Breaux Bridge, LA to Lucie and Conrad Gauthier, Mary grew up in St. Martinville, attending High School there, followed by college at the University of Southeastern Louisiana, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Library Science. She and Benny settled in Sunset, Louisiana in the early 1970s to begin careers and raise a family. Mary taught in St. Martin and St. Landry Parishes for 33 years, believing strongly in the mission to educate children. She inspired countless young minds with her commitment to teaching and passion to share knowledge. After retiring from the school system, Mary moved to Denham Springs, LA to be near her son and grandchildren. She worked for several years in the Livingston Parish library system before fully retiring.

Mary loved reading Danielle Steel novels, watching Lawrence Welk on Saturdays, travelling to historical sites throughout the country, cooking Sunday meals, praying the rosary, and precious time with her family. There was always a special place in her heart for music and song. Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra were some of her favorites, which she passed along to her son. In the 1980s, you’d occasionally find Mary and Briar in the bathroom mirror, with toothbrushes for microphones, belting out Manilow’s “Can’t Smile without You,” and so many of Wonder’s greatest hits, like “Overjoyed” and “I Just called to Say I Love You.” Over time, she indeed built a castle of love around them.

Mary’s sisters would like to recognize how dedicated Briar and (wife) Allison were to his mother. In recent years, her care demanded a tremendous amount of sacrifice and patience, but they never wavered. Her sisters also want to gratefully recognize Briar’s tireless effort in bringing comfort and support to his mother.

Briar would like to thank his wife, Allison, for selflessly taking care of Mary as if she were her own mother. You are a blessing to our family.

The family is also thankful for the assisted living and memory care services provided by The Barclay House and Fidelis Residential Care Homes, where Mary lived her final years. The family is deeply appreciative to the nurses and caretakers at Hospice of Baton Rouge for Palliative and End of Life Care. At every turn of Mary’s journey, Hospice followed her to provide compassionate care, education, and peace-of-mind to both Mary and her family.

She is survived by her son, Benjamin Briar Richard (Allison); cherished grandchildren, Benjamin Coen Richard and Drew Richard; loving siblings, Charlotte Durand (Steven), Lucie Margaret "Maugie" Judice (Rene), and Corinne G. Poimboeuf (Barry); nieces and nephews (Gauthier side), Chris Durand (Tonya), Dane Durand (Gleacia), Stephanie Robin (Scott), Nikki Theriot (Cory), Allison Ferrara (Marco), and Ryan Poimboeuf. Her legacy lives on through her great-nieces and nephews: Luke and Ellie Durand, Alyx and Rylie Theriot, Jacob and Jude Durand, Nico, Ben, and Davis Ferrara; nieces and nephews (Richard side) Terri Kirkpatrick, Kris “KK” Kirkpatrick, Trish Kirkpatrick, Angelique Midkiff, Aleisha Midkiff, Krisi Carriere Moran (Ricky), Johnny Laine Carriere (Kelli), Derrick Carriere (Kristi), Landon Kirkpatrick, and Jordyn Kirkpatrick. She is also survived by numerous, adored first cousins from Lake Charles and Longbridge, Louisiana. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Benjamin Richard, Jr.; sister, Jeannette "Cootie" Gauthier; parents, Conrad and Lucie Gauthier; grandparents, Francis and Edith Gauthier (maternal) and Henry Paul and Corinne Gauthier (paternal); cherished sisters in law, Claudette Richard and Sue Kirkpatrick; nephew, Kirk Kirkpatrick; nieces, Tracey Kirkpatrick Carriere and Trina Kirkpatrick. Pallbearers will be Chris Durand, Dane Durand, Brent Sibille, Trey Guidry, Seth Ortego, Scott Robin, and Tom Barry. Honorary pallbearers include Ryan Poimboeuf, Kris “KK” Kirkpatrick, and Johnny Laine Carriere. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville honoring the life of Mary.

Visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in St. Martinville on Friday from 3:00 PM to 8 PM and will continue on Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM on Friday. Rev. Jason Vidrine will officiate at the Funeral Mass on Saturday. 

Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in St. Martinville.

If you choose to honor Mary’s memory, these are some causes dear to her and her family: The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806; Conrad C. Gauthier 4-H Scholarship Fund, 114 Courthouse St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517; the STXBP1 Foundation; or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.