Mary Stella Bellard Guidry, 93, passed away on March 18, 2026, just ten days shy of her 94th birthday. Stella, as she was commonly called and known as, was born on March 28, 1932, in Mallet, Louisiana, to the union of John Benjamin Bellard and Viola Bellard.

As a young lady, Stella moved to Lake Charles to begin her family and gave birth to twelve children. She worked at Rest Haven Nursing Home as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant for many years. Her hobbies included sewing quilts, cooking, and loving her grandchildren.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, John Benjamin and Viola Bellard, husband Joseph Guidry, sons Ricky and Ronald Guidry, brother Joseph Bellard, and sisters Mable Bellard, Emma Edwards, and Mary Gordon.

She leaves to mourn her precious memories, her children: Shirley Guidry of Shreveport, Louisiana; Jerry Vital, Joseph "Nu" Guidry, and Linda (Lumus) Semien, all of Lake Charles; Kathleen Candler, of Shreveport, Louisiana; Gwenda (Otis) Ambrose, of Houston, Texas; Anthony (Julie) Guidry, of Lake Charles; Mary "Mona" Edwards, Michael Guidry, and Theresa (George) Washington, all of Houston, Texas. She also will be missed by her twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She also leaves three sisters, Mary Goodly of Houston, Texas; Mary Ann Guillory of Eunice, Louisiana; Joyce Dotson of Marietta, Georgia; and Isie (Rev. Gervis) Ned of Lake Charles, Louisiana; a loving sister-in law, Wilma Duraso of Houston, Texas, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A celebration of Stella’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, her 94th birthday. The family will welcome friends at King’s Funeral Home at 1611 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a Rosary being recited at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.