Bessie Champagne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bessie Champagne on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the age of 86. Bessie was born on July 25, 1939, in Luling, Louisiana. She was a long-time resident of Luling, but has called Baton Rouge home for over 50 years.

Bessie was a devoted homemaker who proudly considered her greatest accomplishment to be raising her four children. Family was the center of her life, and she poured her love into caring for those around her. In her younger years, Bessie enjoyed playing golf with her beloved husband, Howard, a pastime that brought her much joy. She was also known for her love of cooking and her generous spirit; no one ever left her home hungry. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, comfort, and togetherness, where family and friends always felt welcome. Bessie will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to her family, and the love she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Bessie is survived by her sons Howard, Jr. (Samantha) and Paul (Stephanie); daughters, Beth Maxwell (Andy) and Sandi Smith (Noah). She also left behind her grandchildren, Marie, Drew, Rachel, Julia, Sydnie, Maryanne, Natallie, Joseph, Ian, Haylee, Logan, Emmett; one great-grandchild, Sadie; and brothers, Ronald Champagne, Dave Champagne Sr., Anthony Champagne Sr., and Wayne Champagne Sr.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Champagne, Sr.; mother and father, Mary and Horace Champagne Sr.; sister, Pearl; brothers, Harold Sr., Alvin, Morris, Johnny Sr., Jerry Sr., Horace Jr., Thomas and Charles.

Pallbearers will be Drew Maxwell, Andy Maxwell, Ian Maxwell, Noah Smith, Joseph Smith, and Logan Champagne. Honorary pallbearer, Kevin Champagne.

At this time, formal arrangements are going to be held on February 10, 2026, at Most Blessed Sacrament, 15615 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. She will then be laid to rest at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. The family invites everyone to a reception immediately following in the Legacy Room at Resthaven Funeral Home.