It is with deep heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Iris Malveau Hodge, who departed this life on June 10, 2026, at her residence in Opelousas, Louisiana. Born on October 19, 1947, in Plaisance, Louisiana, Iris lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a passion for nurturing both people and community.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Iris Malveau Hodge will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church In Opelousas, La. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Opelousas from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Internment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Mausoleum.

Iris’s professional journey was distinguished and impactful. She dedicated her talents and energies to children’s health and welfare, contributing her expertise at the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital & Medical Center. Her career also included significant roles at Washington Natural Gas and Seattle City Light, where her commitment to service was unwavering. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Iris shared her love of literature by teaching night classes at Seattle Central Community College, enriching the minds of many students outside the traditional daytime environment.

A lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iris embraced the sorority’s principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service throughout her life. This commitment reflected her steadfast dedication to fostering education, leadership, and community empowerment.

Beyond her career and academic interests, Iris was a woman of many passions. She cherished gardening, finding peace and joy in cultivating nature’s beauty. Her love extended to animals, especially cats, whom she cared for with gentle affection. Always a gracious host and mentor, Iris relished the opportunity to tutor and welcome foreign exchange students into her home, sharing cultural experiences and broadening horizons with compassion and generosity.

Iris is survived by her son, William Hodge; daughter, Cari Hodge; sisters, Dorothy Rose Malveaux and Mary C. Malveaux; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James & Dorothy Malveaux; brothers, John Malveaux, Harold B. Malveaux, Weldon C. Malveaux, and James Martin Malveaux; sisters, Savannah Rideaux, Melva Malveaux, Louverna Collins, Helen M. Malveaux, Sr. M. Philomena Malveaux, SSF, and Philoman V. Guillory.

Iris Malveau Hodge’s life was a testament to purposeful living—embracing education, professional excellence, community involvement, and personal warmth. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her and were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.

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