Barbara Marie Dupuis

Sr. Barbara Marie Dupuis, MSC (AKA Sr. Mary Adelaide and affectionately known as Sr. Addy) was born September 18, 1930 in Port Arthur, Texas. She died at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana on April 12, 2026 at 12:20 PM.

Sr. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Adam Dupuis, her mother, Emma Nunez Dupuis, her brother, Michael Dupuis, and her grand-nephew, Charles Gross.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Catherine Donnelly Dupuis, and her nieces, Paula Dupuis Bray, Carolyn Dupuis Tolbert, Stephanie Dupuis; and their children, Tyler Tolbert, Jordan Bray, Angela Gross Bennett and their families.

Following her desire to enter religious life, she was introduced to the Marianites of Holy Cross by her pastor, Monsignor Louis Boudreaux, in Lake Charles. She entered the Congregation on February 2, 1948 and pronounced perpetual vows on August 15, 1952. After completing her baccalaureate degree in education, she obtained a Masters Degree in Library Science from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

During her years of ministry as a teacher, Sister Barbara served in Louisiana in Plaquemine, Opelousas, Ville Platte, Port Allen, Lafayette, Franklin, New Orleans, and Lake Charles. She was an excellent primary grade teacher and was loved by her young students for her patience, gentleness, and kindness. After twenty-three years in the classroom, she began her ministry as a librarian in 1972 and served at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans (now the University of Holy Cross), at the Academy of the Holy Angels, and at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

In the summer of 1980 at the age of fifty, she enrolled in an art class at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. What a surprise it was for her to discover that she had natural artistic talent. She began painting flower and garden scenes reflecting the beauty of her own inner life. Many pieces of her art work grace the walls of Marianite communities and ministries, as well as, homes of families and friends.

Following her time as a librarian, she moved to Opelousas and assumed responsibility for the archives of the Congregation which had been re-located to Opelousas. She delighted in carefully organizing the records, in creatively displaying the memorabilia, and in joyfully sharing information about the Congregation. She remained in this role until April 24, 2020 when, due to health issues, she became a resident at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home.

Throughout her life, Sr. Barbara always saw herself as a simple instrument in the hand of God. She was humble and gentle of heart, naturally talented in many ways, and generous in sharing her gifts. As a teacher, she shared her patience and kindness with students and their families. As a staff member in the library, she shared her details for knowledge and research. As an archivist, she shared her love of the Congregation and the information woven in its history. As an artist, she invited us to share her vision and insight into the beauty of God’s creation. Her art continues to call us to go deeper within to the beauty of our own inner lives and, like her, to discover and explore the surprises and treasures hidden there.

Sr. Barbara Marie had a special devotion to Mary, our Blessed Mother. Throughout her life of prayer and ministry, she was faithful to the words of our Mother Mary: “My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)

As Sister enters eternal life, we can imagine the Lord and His Mother Mary say to her:

Welcome, dear Barbara, our spirits rejoice in you!

Come share the beauty and creativity prepared for you from all eternity!

Thank you, Barbara (Addy) for being our gentle and kind sister, family member, mentor, and friend. We love you and we ask that you continue to share with us by remembering us in your prayers as you enjoy the sublime beauty of God’s eternity.

To celebrate her life, a wake service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 AM in the chapel. Burial will take place at St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas.

We are deeply grateful to the staff of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home for their compassionate care of and attention to Sr. Barbara during her years at Prompt Succor. She loved her time at the nursing home and delighted in being a part of the community there.

We also want to thank Southern Grace Hospice staff who graciously assisted in her care the last days of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the Marianites of Holy Cross request that memorial donations be made to the Marianites of Holy Cross, Congregational Center, at 75520 Hwy 1081, Covington, Louisiana, 70435.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.