Donna DeBlanc Mills Hotard

Donna DeBlanc Mills Hotard, age 60, a native of New Orleans, LA and current resident of Houma, Louisiana, passed away suddenly after a brief illness Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Brian J. Hotard; her son Sasha Wells, and bonus daughter Breeanna Conley; her sister Kelly DeBlanc Sanzone, her niece Ashley Sanzone DesPlas and husband Kyle, and great nephew Kendall DesPlas. She is also survived by her mother and father-in-law, Irvin and Verla Chaisson Hotard, her sister-in-law Cathy Hotard Mesa, her brother and sister-in-law, Buddy and Elmay Whitney Hotard, along with her nephew William Hotard and wife Candace Jackson Hotard, great nephew Thomas Hotard and great niece Cecile Hotard. She is further survived by her BFF Dana Johnson Detiveaux and husband Lawrence, BFF Jeffrey Thompson and BFF Beverly Baughman Brooks.

She was preceded in passing by her parents, Harold Joseph DeBlanc, Jr. and Ethel Mae Richard DeBlanc Cefalu.

Donna was born on the Westbank of New Orleans and lived in Metairie before moving to Houma when she and Brian married. She spent her adult life working in the oil & gas industry for over 40 years, most recently with Southern Oil of Louisiana as Regulatory Manager and was as good a "hand" as you could ever find. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She was fiercely loyal and protective of those she loved. She was fearless in life and had the biggest heart you could imagine. Though short in stature, her presence was huge. She will live on forever in the hearts and souls of those who loved her.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 at Chauvin Funeral Home in Houma, La. from 9:00am until service time with Ministry Services starting at 11:00am. Donna was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan so black and/or gold or Saints apparel is appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Donna to the charity of your choice or a hug of someone you love.