Larayne Ann Bordelon

(November 28, 1942 – December 7, 2025)

A Family Memorial Service for Larayne Ann Bordelon was held on Friday, Dec. 26 at Escude Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment of her ashes will occur at a later date under the direction of Escude Funeral Home, Mansura, La.

Larayne, 83, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Rapides General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Cottonport, she had a wonderful childhood. A voracious reader, books were her friends, and she, along with Marilyn and Chris, would wait faithfully for the bookmobile to come with their books. After graduating from Cottonport High School and the Avoyelles Parish Trade School, she enjoyed a long professional tenure in Louisiana Civil Service, highlighted as the administrative assistant to Lt. Governor, Paul Hardy.

After retirement, Larayne enjoyed visiting her family, reading, entertaining, and traveling with friends. Highlights were trips to the Northeast, Washington D.C., New York City, and Upstate New York—Broadway shows and Presidential libraries were fond memories. She was loyal to her Great State of Louisiana and shared her knowledge about its history, culture, and cuisine. To this end, she worked many years for Secretary of State Paul Hardy in the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.

Larayne loved music and most genres—from The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Band, to Janis Joplin—any visit to her home in Baton Rouge included history of music lessons. Aunt Totsy educated and influenced our tastes in music to this day. From 8 tracks to XM radio, she was always listening to music.

Larayne's many loves were her fabulous felines, especially Taba, dedicated friends, her nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. We all spent many holiday seasons together and greatly anticipated her arrival.

Totsy was a knowledgeable conversationalist. She could speak on a variety of topics in depth and was able to provide sources. When Totsy told us something you could "take it to the bank" as she was so well-read and able to expertly cite her sources. She was a generous person and charitable to organizations and people in need.

Larayne was preceded in death by Leo Delta and Emmy Lou Armand Bordelon, parents; Paul David Dugas, nephew; Albert and Adalise Andress Armand, maternal grandparents; and Dicken and Odelia Ducote Bordelon, paternal grandparents.

Larayne is survived by two siblings, Marilyn Bordelon Dugas and husband Ed, and their children: Donna Pearson (husband Dale; children Caroline and Paulina), Lesley Angelle (husband Chris; children Chloe and Emmy), Nicolette Dugas (Paul’s daughter), John Dugas (children Courtney, Jessie, and Josie), and Lauralee Becker (husband Karl; children Christina, William, and Jack); and her brother, Christopher "Chris" Bordelon and wife Martha, and their children Kristin Bordelon (Brian, Grace and Bethany) and Rachel Bordelon (Christopher and Allison).

The family wishes to express gratitude to the kind and compassionate care givers at Bailey Place, Rapides General Hospital ICU, Hospice Care and St. Frances Xavier Cathedral. Larayne received exemplary care while she was in both facilities. She was visited several times her last week by Father Jason Gootee, who gave her the “Last Rites” on Thursday and also prayed with the family on her last day, December 7.

We believe Larayne is with the angels now, peace now, in glorious Heaven with her beloved Mama and Daddy, and nephew “Hoggie”. We will miss her dearly, yet take solace in her life ending peacefully.

Escude Funeral Home of Mansura, 6608 Porterie St. Mansura, LA 71350 (318-964-2324) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.