Frances Evans Cortez

Frances Cortez, 87, a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was a native of Gulfport, MS and a resident of Des Allemands, LA.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Des Allemands Mennonite Church. Religious services will be celebrated at 11:00 am with burial to follow in the Mennonite Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Herman Cortez, Sr.; children, Celina Gregory, Herman Cortez, Jr. (Sharon), Julie Cancienne (Alan) Wade Cortez (Robin), and Ryan Cortez; grandchildren, Nicholas Gregory (Alaine), Caleb Gregory (Kristen), Travis Cortez, Abbie Cortez (Robert), Zoe Cancienne, Brody Cancienne, Karen Bass (Scott), Shane Alexander, Madeline Woerner (Seth), Marigny Cortez and Marley Cortez; great grandchildren, Brayden, Lakyn, Landon, Lili, Levi, Hayden, Greyson, Ian, Wren and Piper; sisters, Rose Keener, Lyla Murillo, Alice Bourque and Carolyn Seymour.

She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Darlene Cortez; parents, Timothy Evans, Annie and Charles Dye; brothers, Wade Evans, Donald Evans, James Evans, Charles Dye, Ronald Dye, Dewey Dye and sisters, Iris Sellers, June Ryan, Evelyn Evans and Illa Perez.

She was known for her gift of conversation—she truly loved to talk, and no one ever left her presence without feeling heard, welcomed, and cared for. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of something delicious in the kitchen. She was an exceptional cook, famous among family and friends for her banana cakes, which many would say were the best in the world. She had a special talent for quilting, pouring patience, creativity, and love into every stitch. Each quilt she made was more than just fabric—it was a piece of her heart, given freely to those she loved. Her faith was an important part of her life. She devoted time to teaching Sunday school, guiding and nurturing others with kindness and compassion. She also gave generously of her time serving at Des Allemands Mennonite Church and volunteering at Pine Lake Camp, where she made lasting connections and touched many lives. Above all, she cherished her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, a nurturing mother and mother-in-law, and a proud and caring grandmother. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she created, and the love she shared so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for their loving care during the months caring for Frances.

In lieu of flowers donations to Des Allemands Mennonite Cemetery fund are preferred.

Falgout Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.