Jackie Balfa

Jackie Ann Balfa, 81, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, after a short illness. She was born to Beulah Granger and Marciel Manuel.

Jackie graduated from Mamou High School, where she met her husband, James. She was the heart of the family and a mother to anyone who needed one. As a young mother, she was a devoted homemaker and took great joy in being actively involved in her daughter’s school activities. From serving as a homeroom mom to a team mom, Jackie embraced every child as her own. She was a dedicated volunteer for school fundraisers and carnivals, and she especially loved baking for the St. Louis Catholic Harvest Fest, spending an entire week preparing treats. Jackie was a wonderful Cajun cook and loved cooking at family holidays and special occasions. She was well known at Christmas for her baked goods and would give them as gifts to family and friends each year.

Jackie had a deep love for animals and welcomed many special dogs and cats into her home over the years. She also had a green thumb and found happiness working in her garden. Jackie was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. She was actively involved in the Catholic Daughters and the Altar Society, always serving her faith and community with love and dedication. Jackie was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 63 years, James Balfa; her daughter, Phyillis Ann Balfa; and her beloved pets—dogs, Beau and Tucker, and cats, Snow and Henry; and loving nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents and brothers, Roger and Rodrick Manuel.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Margaret Catholic Church. Visitation will take place at Johnson Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, with a rosary recited at 12:00 PM. Inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.