Thelma Aurelia Martinez Rizan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Thelma Aurelia Martinez Rizan, who departed this life surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the age of 90. Thelma was born on October 6, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She devoted her life to her family, her faith and her community. She married her sweetheart, Noah Pierre Rizan, Jr. on June 30, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that lasted a lifetime.

She graduated from Woodlawn High School and attended Baton Rouge-Draughon Business college. After raising her children and once they were in school, Thelma returned to school herself earning a Master Catechist certification through the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Thelma dedicated many years of faithful service to Catholic education and ministry, retiring after a long and meaningful career from Redemptorist High School as their Director of Catholic Studies, and from Holy Family Catholic Church as Director of the RCIA Program.

Thelma found joy in gardening, crocheting, completing puzzles and collecting antiques. She had an impressive collection of milk glass, roosters, chickens, birds and religious items – many of which she lovingly discovered at auctions, flea markets and thrift stores. She had a gift for finding beauty and treasure in unexpected places.

She is survived by her five children: Noah Pierre Rizan III and wife Nancy Pardue Rizan, Karen Gwen Rizan Parker and husband Kent Parker, Aimee Renee Rizan English, Michelle Rizan Williamson and husband Baron Williamson, and Michel Ernest Rizan and wife Brenna Carney Rizan; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Ann Sholar; and her brothers Joseph Robert Maritnez and Joseph Nathan Martinez.

Thelma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Noah Pierre Rizan, Jr.; her parents, Joseph Ernest Martinez, Jr. and Thelma Aurelia Bush Martinez; her brothers, Joseph Ernest Martinez III, Joseph Harold Martinez and Henry Archille Martinez and her stepsister, Rena Mae Green.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Thelma’s life, offering a time of reflection and spiritual comfort for all who knew and loved her, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 369 North Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen. Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Thelma’s legacy of faith, love, service and devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com