Shela Marie Leonard

Breaux Bridge - A celebration of life will be held Sunday August 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM for Shela Guidroz Leonard, 88, who passed away peacefully at her home on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. The celebration will take place at Harry and Brenda's home.

Shela was born on August 30, 1937, in Morgan City, Louisiana. She lived a life centered on faith, family, service, and kindness. A member of First United Methodist Church in Lafayette, her faith was the foundation of her life. In her younger years, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, sharing God's love and helping nurture the faith of the children she taught.

Gentle yet strong-willed, Shela was known for her quick wit, infectious smile, positive outlook, and unwavering kindness. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and at home. Her vibrant spirit and compassionate heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved challenging herself with puzzles, keeping up with current events, and spending hours reading. She especially enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and squirrels that visited her yard. She found some of her greatest joy in cooking for her family and preparing meals that brought everyone together around the table. Each year around Thanksgiving, she joyfully carried on her grandmother's treasured "Mini Haha" cookie tradition, baking alongside her family and sharing the cookies with loved ones and friends. It was a tradition she cherished and one that will continue in her memory.

Shela's generous heart was evident through her lifelong commitment to serving others. She dedicated countless hours to volunteering with United Christian Outreach, where she faithfully served senior citizens in her community. In recognition of her dedication, she was honored for contributing the highest number of volunteer hours served. She found tremendous joy in helping others and giving back to her community.

She also shared her love of Louisiana's rich culture, history, and hospitality through her work and volunteer service at Vermilionville, where she enjoyed teaching Louisiana history and Cajun cooking classes. She delighted in welcoming visitors and preserving the traditions she loved. Shela left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She shared a deep and enduring love with her beloved husband, Harry A. Leonard, Jr. Although she faced the heartbreak of losing him many years ago, she carried his memory in her heart for the rest of her life. Through unwavering faith, strength, and resilience, she continued raising her family while surrounding them with love, guidance, and enduring family traditions.

In her later years, Shela found a special source of joy and strength in the time she spent with her great-granddaughter, Natalie "Nat Nat" Gabriel. Watching Nat Nat grow brought her immeasurable happiness and gave her renewed strength and purpose in her later years. She wanted her family to always remind Nat Nat how deeply she was loved.

She is survived by her children, Mona LaBauve (Keith), Harry Leonard III (Brenda), Lance Leonard (Sandi), 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and her siblings, Billy Guidroz (Rose), Garland Stansbury, and Myrlie Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Murval Guidroz; her mother, Henrietta Vinning Guidroz; her beloved husband, Harry A. Leonard, Jr.; her brothers, Bobby Guidroz and Murval "Boy" Guidroz; and her son-in-law, Clifford "Dixie" Santiny.

Though she will be deeply missed, her life was a beautiful example of grace, resilience, compassion, and selfless love. She will be forever cherished, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff of Heart of Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and comfort they provided during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, a tree may be planted in her name.

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