Sandra Matte

Cassandra Laurents Matte, passed away on January 15, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. What a wonderful mom. What a wonderful wife. What a wonderful friend. What a wonderful life. Known by many names—Casey, Buccee, Ca, Sandy, Sandra—she wore many hats and was many things to so many people. She gave birth to four daughters, but in truth, she had countless children. If you ever passed through her home, you likely became one of them.

Her doors were always open, her kitchen always welcoming. Friends of her children would stop by just to visit with her and her husband Johnny—even when her kids weren’t home. You were always welcome, not just in words but in action. Her warmth was real, unmistakable, and immediate. She greeted everyone with genuine excitement every single time, as if seeing you was the highlight of her day—because, to her, it truly was.

She had an extraordinary eye for beauty and a deep appreciation for it in all forms—people, nature, and the everyday moments others might miss. She could often be found breaking out her camera, patiently chasing the perfect sunset or waiting for just the right shot of an adorable bee. Beauty was never lost on her; she sought it out and preserved it.

Creative to her core, she spent much of her life making small crafts—sometimes as gifts, sometimes to sell, always with love woven into every detail. She loved a good estate sale and took great pride in finding an even better deal. Few things delighted her more than a treasure discovered and a story to go with it.

She also loved to travel the world with her best friend and extraordinary travel companion—her sister Cathy. Together, they roamed the globe, adventuring through 12 countries, collecting memories, laughter, and stories that will live on for generations.

She dearly loved her friends—the Sistas, her Coffee Club Crew. Together they prayed, laughed, bunco-ed, and showed up for each other in every season of life. They brought her endless joy, plenty of laughter, and true lifelong friendship.

But most of all, she loved her family.

Johnny—“My Johnny,” as she lovingly called him—was her lifelong companion and husband of 52 years. Their love was steady, joyful, and deeply rooted. She was a fabulous mom and a constant cheerleader for her four girls: Mandy, Missy, Mindy, and Carla. They were her heart and soul—and her proudest accomplishment. She celebrated their differences, encouraged their passions, and was endlessly proud of the women they became. She showed up for everything, cheered the loudest, worried just enough, and loved them fiercely, faithfully, and without condition.

She was beyond an amazing grandmother. You could often find her fully immersed in a grandchild’s latest craft project, listening with complete seriousness to their newest instrumental piece, or—perhaps most memorably—beating them relentlessly at cards (and enjoying every minute of it). She was quick to praise, quicker to laugh, and delighted in sharing all their joys and successes, big and small.

Her legacy is not just in the years she lived, but in the countless lives she touched, the love she gave freely, and the warmth that still lingers wherever her story is told.

What a wonderful life, indeed.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 52 years John Matte; her four daughters Mandy Weeks, Missy Cosentino (Bobby), Mindy Battenfield (Rob), Carla Matte; Grandchildren Carter, Claire, Parc, Fitz, Keats, Beckett, Ouisie; her siblings Cathy Thibodeaux (Glenn), Woody Laurents (Linda).

She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Eleanor Laurents; and her brother Gary Laurents.

A funeral service in honor of Sandra will take place on Sunday January 18, 2026 at 1:00pm at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, LA. Visitation will begin at 11am and last until the start of the service. A rosary will be held at 12:30pm.