Cynthia Marionneaux Beaver

Cynthia Ann Marionneaux Beaver, 84, was so full of life, love and joy! She passed away surrounded by family in her home early Saturday morning, May 17, 2025. Cynthia was born on March 26, 1941, to Hazel LeJeune & Charles K. Marionneaux, Sr. in Brusly, Louisiana, where she later graduated from Brusly High School (’59). She then earned her BS in Education (SLU), taught for several years, and retired to care for her 3 children. A very supportive mother, she cheered them on from culinary to baseball to opera and much more. She had a deep love for Brusly baseball, and was proud of her father, brother, and sister’s contributions to Brusly High School and beyond. A green thumb gardener, she loved to add new varieties to her beautiful yard and was also gifted with arranging her flowers with her creative and unique choices.

Cynthia’s favorite flower, the poppy, personifies how colorfully she lived life, brightening every room by simply walking in; the rest was lagniappe! Favorite color: Aqua! Favorite nail polish: Cajun Shrimp personified her, “Teenie!” Though petite, Teenie packed a punch (long side shots in Brusly Basketball)! Favorite quote: “None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing” (Ben Franklin).

Crafty in celebrating others’ accomplishments, she created massive family photo albums with commentary. As an avid reader, she enjoyed learning about culture, recipes, novels, her faith, and reading the newspaper. She loved home décor and adorning her beautiful home. She was a music lover and member of Cajun French Music Assoc. She and Phil danced their way from Acadiana to Ft. Lauderdale, CT to Worster, MA to Key West! They also tangoed from Louisiana to Argentina and Uruguay. She and Phil lived in Greece for over 1 ½ years with two children and enjoyed traveling Europe (best companion a foreign traveler could have). Warm and welcoming, she enjoyed hosting holidays with family & friends, adding live music, card parties (could play all night!), and a wonderful cook. She was the life of any party!

Later, in illness, when her eyes opened a party began – bright lights on! She could say it all with the lift of an eyebrow and the ability to express a situation in a most inviting way. Her delight with whatever was going on shined through her expression and luster, a woman of resilience and grace, open heart, truly an elegant lady. She could never sit by anyone without talking to them. She loved her KCA neighborhood/neighbors including trips to the pool and tennis courts with her children, cheering swim meets. She loved staying healthy and walking with friends.

Cynthia handled many extreme challenges in life with a special kind of private humility and grace. She was a Progressive Supranuclear Palsy+ warrior with an elegant strength to rival Wonder Woman. In turn, she provided care for family members early on, hosting her grandmother for 10 years of caregiving, often staying with her father and brother with illnesses as well. In her, you would find the most wonderful wife, best mother, sister, kind and caring extended family member, and best friend. A sharp thinker, she was the kindest sweetest person, truly special and one of a kind. She also had a peaceful inner happiness and contentment within, often smiling in her solitude, serene peace. To know her is to love her; thank God for her!

She enjoyed shopping for friends and antiquing, always finding just the unique, fitting thing. She was a loving best friend to many fur babies over the years. Dedicated to her relationship with God and her Catholic faith, she served as Eucharistic Minister and sponsored multiple confirmands at St. Jude Catholic Church. Though she will be greatly missed by many, her bright light will never dim. May she truly rest in peace with the Lord, reuniting with her son, mother, father, and grandparents.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles K. Marionneaux, Sr. and Hazel LeJeune Marionneaux; son, Stephen Boyd Beaver; cousin (like a sister), Julia LaBauve; stepmother, Margie Marionneaux.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Phillip R. Beaver; daughters, Holly Elizabeth Beaver and Rebekah Leigh Beaver; sister, Minta Sue Marionneaux; brother, Charles “Boo” Marionneaux, Jr.; stepsister, Joanne D. Pennison (Eugene) and stepbrother, Gary David (Cheryl).

Forever grateful to Rebekah for 24-7 365 care (5 yrs), Phillip, Holly, and Minta for vital support. Pallbearers will be Brandon Bueche (for Stephen Beaver in spirit), Brian David, Landess Hebert (Class of ’59), Ory Hebert, Pete Johnston, Jules Lambert; Honorary Pallbearers will be Yancy Guerin, Donald LaBauve, Brandon Pennison, Cleve Wright.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 402 S Kirkland St. in Brusly on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Joel LaBauve officiating. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge on Monday, May 26, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge. A reception will follow the committal service.

Contributions in her honor can be made to: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

The flowers appear on the earth: the time of the singing of the birds is come. Sol. 2:12