Emma Jean Dupre

On July 14, 2026 Emma Jean Dupre passed away in peace at the age of 92. Emma was a devoted wife to Rawlond Dupre for 73 amazing years. Emma was affectionately known as Momma, Maw Maw, Jean, and Stew - the latter her siblings coined due to her love of Louisiana cuisine.

Emma was born on September 8, 1933 in Mamou, Louisiana to parents Armel and Aza F. Manuel. Catherine Manuel raised Emma following Mrs. Aza F. Manuel’s death. Emma attended Vidrine High School, where she met her soulmate Rawlond. The bond Emma and Rawlond shared over the years was the epitome of love. Emma and Rawlond’s house was the rallying point of the neighborhood where kids would come to talk shop, eat good food, and feel welcomed as part of the Dupre family.

Emma was the kindest, sweetest, and most caring person many of us have ever known. She had the softest hands in the world. Emma was incontrovertibly optimistic, a seamstress and fashion designer for her family, a soulmate to Rawlond, a caregiver, a teacher, a chef, a therapist and good listener, a grandmother to 17, a great grandmother to 28, and above all a devoted wife, mother to six, and a woman of faith.

Emma had an extraordinary gift for making every person feel important, whether through a warm and delectable meal, a listening ear, thoughtful advice, or simply her reassuring presence. To know Emma was to feel seen, heard, and unconditionally loved. Emma possessed a rare gentleness that made everyone around her feel at ease. Her kindness was quiet but constant, and she cared for others without ever expecting anything in return. Emma was generous with everything she had—her time, her talents, her home, and her heart.

In addition to her parents Armel and Aza F. Manuel, Catherine Manuel, brothers Russell Manuel, Dewey Manuel, Warren Manuel, sister Bernice LaFleur, and husband Rawlond Dupre, Emma was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Patsy D. Miller and son Rawlond Dupre Jr., with whom she shared so many beautiful memories. Those left to cherish her memory are daughters JoAnn and husband Mitch Droddy, Darlene “Dee” and husband Lynn Baker, sons Kenneth Dupre and partner Judy, and Darryl Dupre and wife Leah, 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, Caroline Dupre Matte, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Rest in eternal peace, Emma reunited with Rawlond and forever cherished by all whose lives you touched.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Monsignor Daniel Torres will officiate. Interment services will follow at Consolata cemetery. Visitation Friday will be from 5:00 until 9:00 PM with a rosary service beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume Saturday from 9:00 AM until 11:45 AM in the funeral home. Pall bearers will be Brandon Miller, Eric Dupre, Ross Dupre, Jonah Dupre, Will Brown, and Justin Baker.

The family of Emma would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Doctor Kohn, the nurses, and staff of Sage Oaks Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice for the excellence in care, kindness, love, and compassion shown to Emma during her stay.