Olivia Nichole Lemaire

Cow Island—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Church honoring the life of Olivia Nichole LeMaire, 16, who died Thursday, April 25, 2024. She will be laid to rest at Abshire Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley and Deacon Cody Miller officiating the services.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM when the procession departs for church.

Olivia was called to her heavenly home when she was 16 years old. After she was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) as a young child, many people followed her life through “Olivia’s Journey.” Much love and concern was shown to her by the community. Olivia’s family has always been grateful for that support.

Olivia was a “Mama’s Girl.” She and her mother, Leslie, had a close and loving bond. Olivia was very attached to her mother and loved having Leslie hold her, care for her, and soothe her. Olivia was often surrounded by her soft dolls, stuffed animals, and comfy pillows. She liked pretty dresses and bows in her beautiful dark hair, and she liked being pampered with manis, pedis, and facials. On special occasions, she would wear soft makeup and dainty jewelry. Olivia’s face would light up because she knew she looked pretty.

Olivia was also a “Daddy’s Girl.” She would perk up when she heard her Daddy’s voice. They had a special bond, and when he played his guitar and sang for her, Olivia would become joyful with a smile on her face.

When Olivia was younger, she could maneuver herself in her wheelchair. She was a curious little girl and could wheel around to dig in cabinets, drawers, purses, and bags making a huge mess. She enjoyed her princess wand, purses, wallets, baby dolls, and she loved to pretend to cook. Music and Disney princess movies were a huge part of her day as she “sang along.”

As Olivia grew older and her disease progressed, her physical and sensory functions declined. However, she was still aware of many things. She liked her dog and farm animals, especially chicks. She loved the outdoors, using all her senses to take in the beauty of nature.

Hearing men’s voices usually made her smile. She would also smile if someone was being naughty or silly. She was canaille (kah-NIGH) with a silly, childlike mind.

Olivia’s mother shared her faith with her daughter by teaching her about Jesus and heaven. Olivia’s face lit up when someone talked about Jesus or read from the Bible. Our Blessed Mother Mary has played a huge role in carrying the family through “Olivia’s Journey.”

Many people loved and cared for Olivia throughout her life: parents, grandparents, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, stepfather, caretakers, nurses, religious individuals, extended family, and friends.

Olivia’s family would like to thank ALL who have followed, prayed, and helped in her care throughout her life, with special thanks to Heart of Hospice, Complete Home Health, L and D Services, and Medical Resources.

She is survived by her parents, Leslie Hebert (John) of Cow Island, and Mike LeMaire of Kaplan; her sibling, Ethan LeMaire of Kaplan; her maternal grandparents, Bonita Hopkins (Ty) of Kaplan, and Phillip "Butch" Vincent (Melissa) and their son, Connor of Conroe, TX; her paternal grandparents, Wilson "Jr." LeMaire (Linda) of Kaplan; her step-grandparents, Pat Hebert (Melissa) of Cow Island; her aunts, Kayla Fontenot (Jeremy) of Lafayette, Bonnie Schoeffler (Ted) of Lafayette, Donna Broussard (Benji) of Kaplan, and Monica Bourque (Jed) of Youngsville; and her cousins, Mitchell, Cody, Hattie, Grant, Hannah, Noah, John Luke, Mason, Hudson, Camille, Drew, and Blake.