Brenda Theriot

It is with gratitude for her life of 75 years that the family of Brenda Foti Theriot announces her death in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Monday, September 5, 2022.

Brenda Phyllis Foti was born on January 11, 1947 in St. Martinville, Louisiana to Josie Foti (Signorelli) and Fred Foti Sr.  Elder sister to Tina Foti Landry (John Landry), Freddie Foti (Sarah Foti), and Wayne Foti, Brenda spent her childhood in St. Martinville and attended University of Southwestern Louisiana, graduating with a degree in Home Economics in 1968.  Brenda went on to work for the Welfare Department of the State of Louisiana, sharing her boundless compassion and generosity with those less fortunate.

She became a loving and supportive wife to Preston Terry Theriot, who she married in 1967, leaving the Welfare Department to raise their family.  She was a devoted daughter and daughter-in-law, as well as an ideal, exceptionally caring mother to Nicole (Tom Agnew) and Tiffany and grandmother to Jared.  In fact, Nicole and Tiffany’s friends often said they wished Brenda was their mother!

Brenda’s warmth and kindness were remarked upon by everyone who met her, and she was a caring, thoughtful aunt, sister-in-law and exemplary godmother to many of her friends’ and family’s children.  She taught preschool at St. George and University Methodist, inspiring her students and the other teachers and administrators with her boundless creativity and enthusiasm for learning.  She was an accomplished seamstress, an exceptional cook (especially Italian cuisine), and a very talented ceramicist and painter.  Her many holiday ceramics, especially her beautiful nativity scene, are among her daughters’ most prized possessions.

She was witty, funny, and smart, and her kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness were legendary.  She made us all strive to be better.  Every day spent with her was a gift, and she was exceedingly generous with her time and attention.  We were incredibly lucky to know her and be loved by her.

A devout Catholic and loyal parishioner of St. George Church, Brenda helped organize the annual St. Joseph's Alter and hosted many well-attended rosary events.  She loved her Small Christian Community, of which she was an active member for decades.  She cherished her memories of traveling to Italy and Sicily in 2010, especially Vatican City, and the Holy Land in 2017.  Fittingly, she passed away on the Feast Day and 25th anniversary of the death of St. Mother Theresa, one of her favorite saints.  Brenda is undoubtedly now one of God's most devoted angels.

Our family would like to thank everyone who supported us over the last few years, including the caring staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge and the considerate staff at Heritage Manor.  Please join us in celebrating Brenda’s inspiring life and the lasting, positive impact she has had on each of us.  The visitation and funeral will take place at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge on Friday, September 9, 2022.  The visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 am, and the funeral will take place at 11:30 am.