Tara Ann Blanchard

Tara Ann Bertrand Blanchard, 54, passed away in her Lake Charles, Louisiana home on Friday, March 6, 2026. She was born on December 31, 1971 to Emile and Deborah Ortego Bertrand in Lake Charles.

She loved reading, collecting teacups and being as frugal as possible. She valued her children and family above anything else. She was a very strong and generous woman.

Those left to cherish her memory are, her mother, Deborah Ortego; her children, Amy Whitfield, Austin Blanchard (Kaitlyn), and Andrew Blanchard; and her grandchildren, Madilynn Blanchard, and Izzybell Blanchard.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emile Bertrand, III; and her grandparents, Emile Bertrand, Jr. (Bridgette), and John Melton, Sr. (Mellie).

Tara’s funeral will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, March 16, 2026 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake Street, with Rev. Wayne Dartez presiding. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.