Mary Tate

Mary Doris LeBlanc Tate, age 90, died peacefully in her sleep on January 27, 2026, in Denham Springs, Louisiana. She was born to Edral Paul LeBlanc and Élodie Mary Boullion LeBlanc on April 10, 1935, in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Mary moved through life with an open heart, delighting in meeting new people and savoring the occasions she had to travel. To meet her was to be welcomed by a compassionate spirit who never met a stranger. Shaped by her Cajun heritage, Mary carried an easy warmth and a deep joie de vivre, a love of life that showed itself in her laughter, her stories, her love of dance, and the way she made others feel instantly at home. She had a rare gift of connection, offering kindness freely and finding joy in even the smallest moments shared. In her later years, illness slowly quieted her world, limiting her ability to continue many of the relationships she so cherished. Yet her spirit endured, and her feet still tapped in perfect beat to her favorite songs. Her unwavering smile remained, a steady light that brought comfort to her family and reflected love, resilience, and selflessness that defined her life.

Above all, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with an unwavering devotion that asked for nothing in return. She embraced her son-in-law and daughter-in-law as her own. Offering them the same unconditional love and acceptance. Mary gave of herself freely, often quietly sacrificing her own comfort for the well-being of those she loved. No matter how full her days were, she always made time to listen and to be present in the lives of those she loved.

Mary took gentle pride in the milestones of her own life. She graduated from New Iberia High School as an honor student, a chapter she carried with her always, and later retired from the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, an accomplishment she cherished deeply and spoke of with sincere pride. These were not small things to her; they represented perseverance, dedication, and a life faithfully lived.

Mary Doris LeBlanc Tate will forever be remembered for being a beautiful person and extraordinary in her grace. Her passing will have etched a memory of joyful gratitude to all those who knew and loved this remarkable woman.

She is survived by her children – one daughter, Kathleen Tate Fillingim (husband, Mike Fillingim) three sons Chris Tate, Johnny Tate (wife, Diane Tate) and Tommy Tate. Grandchildren are Kelly Fillingim Griffin (husband, Justin Griffin), Seth Fillingim (wife, Yaneth Fillingim) and Sarah Tate. Surviving great-grandchildren, Rhett Griffin, Hayes Griffin, Sawyer Griffin, Samuel Watson, and Lola Hammond, along with much-loved nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Edral Paul LeBlanc and mother, Élodie Mary Boullion LeBlanc; stepmother, Estelle Leger Boullion LeBlanc; brothers, Clarence J. LeBlanc, Easten LeBlanc, Roland Paul LeBlanc, Sr. and Antoine Harris Boullion, and sister Nora Boullion Thibodeaux; great-grandchild Reeves Griffin; former husband Dempsey Willie Tate.

The family would like to thank Golden Age Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Denham Springs and the Quirk family for 12 years of care and love, and all the amazing caregivers that interacted with Mary and gave her great quality of care throughout her illness.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Should you wish to make any donations on behalf of Mary Doris LeBlanc Tate, please give to a charity of your choosing.