Mary Catherine Prudhomme

Mary Catherine Prudhomme was born March 11, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. She was one of four children born to the late Reverend Frederick A. and Catherine Evans.

She was a graduate of Alcée Fortier High School, and then went on to earn a business degree at Soulé Business College.

She accepted a position at Shell Norco as a secretary.  It was here that she met Thomas Prudhomme. They exchanged vows at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in New Orleans on September 17, 1960. Upon welcoming their first child Stephen in 1963, she became a full-time homemaker. She took pride in providing for her husband and growing family.

In the early 1960’s, the family relocated to Lake Charles when Thomas had a new job opportunity. Melissa, their second child, was born soon thereafter in 1965.  Mary Catherine believed deeply in faith and family.  They enrolled Stephen and Melissa in Our Lady Queen of Heaven School to ensure they were brought up to know the word of God. The family attended Mass at Our Lady Queen of Heaven and St. Margaret Catholic Church.

 Mary Catherine believed in the magic of Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Decorating brought her much joy.  But seeing the appreciation and excitement on the faces of her family Christmas morning was what she loved most.

When they could, Thomas and Mary Catherine would enjoy dancing together. They attended many ballroom dance classes with the Cha Cha being their favorite. She was steadfast in her children’s activities, always encouraging them to try new things and never failing to be their biggest cheerleader.

Her love of dancing grew when her grandchildren came along. Shawna was her first grandchild. Like her, Shawna enjoyed dancing. Grandma always made sure to attend all of Shawna’s recitals. They would attend the Nutcracker together yearly. Shawna loved the excitement shown on Mary Catherine’s face throughout the performances.  

Cherie was her second grandchild. Like Shawna and Mary Catherine, Cherie also loved dancing. Mary Catherine’s smile and fun-loving nature was apparent when they were together.  Mary Catherine also enjoyed playing numerous card games with her grandchildren.  

She was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, January 6, 2023, by her parents; a sister, Ruth E Evans; and a son in-law, Jon McDaniel.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband, Thomas C. Prudhomme; son Stephen C Prudhomme and wife Peggy Polk of Baton Rouge, LA; a daughter, Melissa McDaniel of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; grandchildren, Shawna Bell and Cherie McDaniel; one brother, Charles A Evans of Bethany, OK; one sister, Esther Evans Camp of Kenner, LA; and her caregivers who have become like family, Wendy Funk and Wilda Goodley.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2023, beginning at 1 pm in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home. Celebration of Mary’s life led by Reverend Rick Batchelor is scheduled to begin at 2 pm.