Martha Bienvenu

Martha Mae Fortson Bienvenu, 86, native of Houma, Louisiana and resident of Eagle River, Alaska passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 with family and care-givers by her side.

She was born to Herbert W. Fortson and Estelle Bonnett Fortson on June 17, 1931. She was married to Carl F. Bienvenu and together they raised two daughters and shared a beautiful life together for over 50 years.

She was a graduate of Terrebonne High School and Northwestern University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Library Science. Upon graduation from Northwestern she began a distinguished teaching career with Terrebonne Parish School District continuing for 35+ years. She taught at several schools in the parish and ended her career as Librarian at Terrebonne High School. Upon her retirement she was asked to teach in the private industry at St. Matthew’s Episcopal School in Houma. She taught there and also served as librarian for approximately another 10 years. Her passion in life was working with children. She belonged to numerous organizations involving her teaching profession. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Houma before moving to Alaska.

She is survived by two daughters, Janelle Bienvenu Thibodeaux (and husband Kim Thibodeaux) of Eagle River, Alaska and Carla Bienvenu Goubert of Houma; five grandchildren, Kimberly T. Wilson, Brian A. Thibodeaux, and Craig A. Thibodeaux, all of Eagle River, Alaska; Nicholas A. Goubert and Ronny Goubert of Houma and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl F. Bienvenu; her parents Herbert W. Fortson and Estelle Bonnett Fortson; all her siblings, Herbert W. Fortson, Jr, Wynona Fortson Norman, Arthur Fortson, Richard Fortson, Charles Fortson, and Melvin Fortson; and one grandchild, Dustin Goubert.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 2, 2018 beginning with visitation at First United Methodist Church at 12:00 pm until service time at 2:00pm.

Chauvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bienvenu family.