Freida Fontenot Keller

Youngsville - A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton for Freida Fontenot Keller, beloved wife of Ed Keller, and devoted mother, sister, aunt, nurse, and friend, who passed away peacefully in Youngsville, Louisiana, surrounded by family and friends on October 29, 2025. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM until service time at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton. Born on November 18, 1958, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, Freida grew up on a lively family farm as the youngest of six children — a role she filled with warmth, sass, and plenty of laughter. She was the daughter of Elvin A. and Rebecca Manuel Fontenot and a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1976. Freida built a long and meaningful career in nursing, caring for patients and families with compassion and skill. She was deeply respected in her community — a mentor to many nurses and a confidant to countless patients and families. Her humor and honesty put people at ease, and she had a gift for offering advice that mixed love, laughter, and a little “I’ve been there.” She never pretended to be perfect; she simply shared what she’d learned so others could worry less and live more. Freida was known for her quick wit, playful teasing, and generous heart. She always had a comment ready — sometimes sharp, always funny, and always followed by that grin that said, “I’m joking, and I love you.” She brought humor to life’s hardest moments and filled every room she entered with warmth and laughter. She was the keeper of her family’s history and stories — the one who remembered everyone’s details, kept contact information up to date, and made sure no one drifted too far apart. Freida believed staying connected was one of the most important things in life, and she worked hard to make sure her family stayed close. Freida and Ed built a life full of joy and adventure together. They loved to travel — by car, train, and cruise ship — always taking the scenic route, trying local food, and making new friends wherever they went. They even spent a memorable stint living in New Orleans, where people from all over came to visit. Back home in Youngsville, they stayed just as connected to loved ones near and far, a testament to how much people valued their friendship. Freida and Ed hosted the cherished Fontenot Family Fourth of July party, a beloved tradition filled with laughter, fireworks, and memories that will live on for generations. Her great-nieces and great-nephews affectionately called her Big Nanan, a name that perfectly captured her playful, loving spirit. Freida was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin A. and Rebecca Manuel Fontenot; her brother, Buford Fontenot; and her stepson, John Keller. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ed Keller; sons Joseph Kern and Louis Kern; stepson Bill Keller; siblings Clyde Fontenot (Julia), Catherine Fontenot (Michael), Pat Staude (Stan), Donald Fontenot (Beth), and sister-in-law Evelyn Fontenot; grandchildren Gavin, Reece, Beau, Lillian, and Madison; and countless nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Freida dearly. Freida’s humor, compassion, and love for family and friends will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every person lucky enough to have known her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hope Hospice, especially Julie, Bethany, and Lexi, for their kindness, skill, and compassion during Freida’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Freida’s memory to a charity of your choice or a local hospice organization. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Freida Fontenot Keller

November 18, 1958 - October 29, 2025