Amanda "Margo" Margaret Holden Racca

Amanda "Margo" Holden Racca, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community leader, and passionate horticulturist, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service to her family, her hometown of Iowa, Louisiana, and the gardening community throughout Louisiana and beyond. Margo was born October 23, 1940, in Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Margo's commitment to her community was exemplified by her service as Mayor of the Town of Iowa, where she worked tirelessly to promote the town and its future. She championed efforts to showcase Iowa's many strengths, encourage tourism, and support economic development. Margo believed that a strong hometown was built not only through government, but through the dedication of citizens willing to become involved and make a difference.

Her love of gardening became another extraordinary chapter of her life. Margo joined the Lafayette Garden Club in 1988 and later served as its president from 1993 to 1995. She went on to become President of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation from 2003 to 2005, providing leadership and inspiration to garden clubs throughout the state. During her tenure, educational programs in flower show judging, gardening, and landscape design were expanded, and the federation participated in numerous community projects, including landscaping Habitat for Humanity homes.

Margo's accomplishments in horticulture were exceptional. She became Louisiana's first National Garden Clubs Five-Star Member, earning Master certifications in Environmental Studies, Gardening Studies, Flower Show Judging, and Landscape Design. She was also an International Master Bromeliad Judge and served on the Board of Directors of the Bromeliad Society International.

Throughout her years of service, Margo received numerous honors and awards, including recognition as a National Garden Clubs Life Member, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Life Member, Deep South Garden Clubs Life Member, Lafayette Garden Club Woman of the Year, and Iowa Garden Club Member of the Year. She was honored as a Deep South Diamond and received the prestigious Silver Trowel Award for horticultural excellence.

Yet, for all of Margo's civic, professional, and horticultural achievements, her greatest pride was her family. She and her beloved husband, Dr. James "Jim" Racca, shared 67 years of loving marriage and built a family that became the center of her life. Her family, friends, and community will remember her not only for the offices she held and the awards she earned, but for the generosity, determination, humor, grace, and love with which she lived each day.

Margo is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Dr. James "Jim" Racca; her sons, Gregory Holden Racca and wife Gina, and David Robb Racca and wife Lorna; and her daughters, Amanda "Mandy" Dayle Racca LeBlanc and husband Kert, and Dawn Racca Sellers and husband Jude. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Joe Holden, and her sister, Edith Kessler.

In addition to her immediate family, Margo leaves behind eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, countless friends, fellow gardeners, and grateful community members whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to service.

Though she will be deeply missed, Margo's legacy will continue to bloom in the gardens she nurtured, the community she loved, and the family she cherished. Her life stands as a testament to the power of service, leadership, and love, and she will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her.A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Iowa First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 am, allowing all to come together to celebrate Margo's remarkable life and share their cherished memories. Following the gathering, a funeral service will take place at the same location, commencing at 11:00 am. Margo will be laid to rest at Pine Hill Cemetery, where her loved ones will gather to bid her farewell and honor the light she brought into their lives.

In this time of sorrow, we encourage all to remember the joy and love that Margo brought to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of kindness will forever inspire those she leaves behind.

Margo was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Holden, Sr. and Jewell Harris Holden; her brother, Sam Holden, Jr.; and her great-granddaughter, Madison Brooks.