Willa Dean LeBlanc

Breaux Bridge - A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge for Willa Dean LeBlanc of Lafayette, 80, who passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge on Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will continue on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 5:30 PM on Friday by Willa "Poochie" Landry.

Deacon Butch Hebert will officiate at the funeral service.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Willa was born on October 10, 1942, in Kaplan. Willa Dean traveled around Louisiana and surrounding states showcasing her artwork and gave lectures at schools and cultural centers in and around Acadiana.  She is listed as a cultural representative at the Acadian Museum and Louisiana Archives.  Willa Dean worked at JC Penney as a catalog manager for 8 years and was owner of LeBlanc Rentals.  She was a gifted folk artist who dedicated much of her life to creating stunning pieces that captivated anyone who laid eyes on them. Her creativity knew no bounds; from painting and sketching to jewelry making, her work is a testament to her artistic talent.  Willa Dean went to school with Johnny Allen of Swamp Pop fame and was good friends with Bobby Charles who wrote the songs, “See You Later Alligator” and “Walking To New Orleans” for Fats Domino.

A true master of arts and crafts, Willa Dean's patience and attention to detail shone through in all of her creations. Each piece she created was unique and bore the unique signature of her style. Her work graces many homes, bringing joy to all those who see them.

In addition to her artistry, Willa Dean had a warm personality that drew people near wherever she went. She had an infectious smile that would light up any room she entered.

She loved to dance and had fun and memorable times at Rutherford Beach and at the camp in Holly Beach with her family and friends.  She loved to comb the beach for seashells and made treasures from the shells she found.

She is survived by her son, John G. (Arianne) LeBlanc; daughter, Julie (Kent) Carlson; grandchildren, Brandi LeBlanc (companion Allen Doucett), Claire Sims and John Andrew LeBlanc; and her great-grandchildren, Mason Sims and Kaden Sims.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ovey and Amelie Landry Gary; brothers, Eljay Gary, Dalton Gary and Chester Gary; sisters, Betty Gary and Mamie Badeaux; and the father of her children, John LeBlanc. 

 Pellerin Funeral Home, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.