Carrie Richard

Carrie Fontenot Richard, 97, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, September 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 26, 1927, in Basile, Louisiana, Carrie was the daughter of Alcide and Louise Fournerat. She graduated from Basile High School, where she was a member of the basketball team. Though small in stature, she was known for her speed and competitive spirit.

After graduating, Carrie met her husband, Burtney Fontenot. In 1953, they moved to Lake Charles, where they established their family roots. Their three greatest joys were their children: Cheryl, Donna, and Jimmy. Carrie took immense pride in her role as a stay-at-home mother, always ensuring that her family was well cared for and well fed. She never missed one of Jimmy’s games, and she always had dresses made ready for Cheryl and Donna for every occasion. If any of her children or their friends needed a ride, Carrie was there to shuttle them to and from without hesitation.

Carrie lost Burtney in 1989 after he fought a courageous battle with cancer. On March 29, 2005, she remarried Lee Richard, who remained by her side and became her dancing partner for the rest of her life. Her later years were enriched by his love and companionship.

A devout Catholic, Carrie was a long-time member of both St. Margaret Catholic Church and Our Lady Queen of Heaven. She was active in her community, participating in the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) and the Ladies Auxiliary Club of the VFW Post 2130. She cherished spending time with her family, loved Cajun dancing, and enjoyed working events at the VFW. Even in her later years, Carrie was known for her zest for life, still enjoying a cold margarita or beer and teaching others about resilience, love, and the importance of family.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, Alcide and Louise Fournerat; her first husband, Burtney Fontenot; her granddaughters, Laurie Spreafico and Allison Hollingsworth; her son, Jimmy Fontenot; and her son-in-law, Bill Spreafico.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Lee Richard; her daughters, Donna Babineaux (Ronnie) and Cheryl Spreafico, and her daughter in law, Donna Fontenot; her granddaughters, Kami Gentry (Monte), Bethany Ellender (Derrick), Katy Miller (Jason), and Kelly Campbell (Dayne); her grandsons, Michael Spreafico (Elizabeth), Tony Spreafico (Lori), and John Spreafico (Reagan); and her bonus children, Francine Pelan (Dana) and Chris Richard (Christine). She will also be fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Brittany and Charles Mark Hollingsworth, Channing Lambertz, Kaitlyn Ferguson, Ahna-Claire and Kamen Simon, Danielle Gentry, Maddox, Vallerie, and Breahna Ellender, Griffin and Nora Miller, Sadie and Cohen Campbell, James and Joseph Spreafico, and Dale Long; and her great-great-grandchildren, Aleigha, Kenleigh, and Raeleigh Benoit, and Kashton Cormier.

Pallbearers will be Mike Spreafico, Tony Spreafico, John Spreafico, Monte Gentry, Derrick Ellender and Jason Miller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Spreafico, James Spreafico and Mark Hollingsworth. 

Funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Thursday, October 3, at 1:30 p.m. Monsignor Torres will serve as the officiant. Visitation will be open to the public on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a rosary at noon. A private family inurnment of ashes will take place at a later date.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Heart of Hospice, including Sherie, Brittany, Courtnie, and Ashley for their exceptional care and At Home Compassionate Care including Callie and Wendy.