Martha Morazan Fontenot

Martha Frances Morazan Fontenot, 78, died Tuesday, April 25, 2017, in the comfort of her home.

Martha Frances Fontenot was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 11, 1938 to Daniel Morazán of León, Nicaragua, and Ina Morazan, born Mahaffey, of Silver Creek, Mississippi.

Martha attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School, graduated from Alcee Fortier High School and went on to study at LSU-Baton Rouge where she earned a BA in English Literature with minors in Spanish and in Voice. Her love of books led her to work in the campus library at LSU and later she earned a librarian certificate at McNeese State University. While in college she met and married fellow student Hadley Ward Fontenot with whom she celebrated 58 years of marriage. As a classroom teacher of English and Spanish, and finally as a librarian, Martha worked for 25 years in the Cameron Parish School system.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, “Danny Boy” Morazan. She is survived by her husband, Judge H. Ward Fontenot; brothers Charles Morazan (Carolyn) and Tony Morazan (Linda); sons Matthew Fontenot (Kristi), Jonathan Fontenot, Gabriel Fontenot, and August Fontenot; grandchildren Karrie Fontenot, Jake Fontenot, Race Fontenot, Zane Fontenot and Grant Fontenot; great-grandchildren Kylee Fontenot and Kane Fontenot.

She was a member of the University United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and sang in the Chancel Choir. She also sang with the Masterworks Choir of the Louisiana Choral Foundation for over 20 years. Martha was an avid reader, often engaged in more than one book at a time, and was an active member of The Review Club of Lake Charles, the oldest book club in the city.

Martha chose to be cremated and there will be no funeral service. A celebration of her life will be conducted at the University United Methodist Church at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2017. Visitation at the church Friday will be from 4:00 PM until the time of service.

Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to Chondrika Holmes and Jennifer Fuselier of Heart of Hospice for their excellence in care and compassion during this time.

Memorial donations may be made to University United Methodist Church, 3501 Patrick Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605.