Laura Mary Simien-Rivera

Laura Mary Griffith Simien-Rivera, 92, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away at 3:40 PM on Saturday, January 21, 2023 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Simien-Rivera was born January 28, 1930 in Manchester, LA.  She moved to California, where she graduated from the Rosemead School of Baking.  She returned to Lake Charles in 1968, where she became known for her baking.  She began her career at the Acadian Delight Bakery and went on to own four bakeries, with Golden Bakery being the last.  She was an amazing cake decorator, but also made the best of tarts, pies, and cookies, but will be most remembered for her cakes.  Mrs. Simien-Rivera was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where she donated many of her sweet treats to their annual Bazaar.  She also enjoyed her Pokeno nights with her friends, loved the Mardi Gras season and spending time at the senior citizen center.  She was a beloved mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Simien (Charlesetta) of Lake Charles; daughters, Yvette Simien of Houston, TX and Tracey Perry (Kevin) of Shreveport; sisters, Lou Anna August, Rita Guidry, Sylvania Fontenot (August), and Wanda Darbonne; sisters-in-law, Nola Griffith and Bertrella Griffith; grandchildren, Zokie Jackson (Reggie), Raphael Simien, Taren Collins (Bryan), Karen Simien, Charlotte Simien, Daphne Ballou (Isaiah), Jasmine Rene, Amber Lemonier, Tara Rivera, Tyra Rivera, Donovan Williams and Kevin “Suge” Perry; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilbert A. Simien; second husband, Julio Rivera; son, Eric A. Simien; parents, Ophelia and Clifford Griffith, Sr.; brothers, Wesley Griffith, Clifford Griffith, Jr., Hebert Griffith, Sr., Gilbert Griffith, and Donald Griffith; sisters, Ruby Jolivette and Alberta Delahoussaye; brothers-in-law, Joseph F. Guidry, Clarence August, Louis Jolivette, Sr., Kenwood Delahoussaye, Sr., and Jesse Darbonne; and sister-in-law, Dolores Griffith.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Father Rommel Tolentino will officiate.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lake Charles.  Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 6:30 PM.  Visitation will continue on Saturday at the funeral home from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.