Clarabelle "Baby" Zeringue Matherne

Clarabelle Ann Zeringue Matherne, lovingly known as “Baby,” a native of Raceland and longtime resident of Gheens, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gheens, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Holy Savior Cemetery in Lockport, Louisiana.

Though given the birth name Clarabelle, she was cherished by all as Baby. She was affectionately known as Granny Baby, Aunt Baby, Baby, and Miss Baby—names that reflected the deep love and respect she inspired throughout her life. She adored her husband, Sidney “Check” Matherne, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love while raising six children.

The loss of her youngest son, Sidney “Lil Sid,” was the most tragic and heartbreaking moment of her life and that of her family. During this difficult time, her son John stepped in, taking both parents under his wing, providing for them, and becoming their devoted caregiver.

Baby was a tireless worker who strove for excellence in all she did. She took great pride in her home and in raising her children, instilling strong values that guided their lives. Education was deeply important to her. She encouraged her children to work hard, study diligently, dream big, and pursue opportunities to better themselves. Due to family hardships, she was forced to leave school just before graduation; however, later in life, she fulfilled her lifelong dream by earning her high school diploma at the age of 44. She was an avid reader and enjoyed reading several novels each month.

She will be fondly remembered for her delicious Cajun cooking and her world-famous fudge, both prepared with love and shared generously. Her meals brought people together, filling her home with warmth and laughter. She loved dancing the jitterbug and often shared stories of her childhood growing up in a large family. Her creativity shone through her beautiful quilts, each one meticulously crafted and lovingly gifted to her children. She also made baby quilts for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith, Baby was a devoted Catholic who prayed the rosary daily and held a profound love for her Church. She taught religion for many years and served faithfully in her parish as a member of the Ladies Altar Society, eventually receiving the Bishop’s Award for her service to the Church.

She is survived by her children: Lucia Champagne (Clyde), Gwen Hitt (Craig), Lisa Falgout (Michael), Pamela Rodrigue (Ricky), and John Matherne.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Eric Champagne; Ashley Pitre (Matt); Trisha Pitre (Ben); Joshua Falgout (Christy); Claire Ourso (Mitch); Wesley Hitt (Caitlin); Rachelle Bilbo (Brandon); and Regan Rodrigue (Crisan).

Her great-grandchildren include Jake Champagne; Makenzie Pitre; Sophia, Annabelle, and Vivienne Ourso; Maddox and Marshall Bilbo; Brennan and Blakely Falgout; Sydney and Allen Pitre; Reca and Reis Rodrigue.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney “Check” Matherne; her son, Sidney Jr. “Lil Sid” Matherne; her parents, Raoul and Lucia Zeringue; her brothers, Thompson, Camille, Clifton, Blaise, Dennis, and Malcolm Zeringue; and her sisters, Gladys Bilelo, Louise Stevens, Jeanne Luquette, Rita Pertuit, Earline Pertuit Pitre, and Laura Mae Dominique.

Arrangements are under the care of Falgout Funeral Home. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Hope Hospice for their kindness, support, and exceptional care.