Carmella Barbier

Carmella Tortorice Barbier, lovingly known as Honey to her family, passed from this earth on January 22, 2026, at the age of 90. A lifelong resident of Independence, Louisiana, she was born on August 27, 1935, to Tony and Rose Tortorice. Carmella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in Catholic faith, family, and service to others.

Carmella was a longtime parishioner of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, where her strong prayer life and devotion to her faith guided her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Barbier; her sons, Alvin Barbier and Alan Barbier; and her grandson, Chad Ferrara. Her parents, Tony and Rose Tortorice; her brothers, Joseph Tortorice and Frank Tortorice; her sisters, Josie Tortorice Ingrassia, Mary Tortorice Amato, and Rose Tortorice Delaney.

She is survived by her loving daughters: Shelia (Ronnie) Tregre, Charlotte (Donnie) Ferrara, and Rachel (Brian) Watt; her cherished grandchildren: Melissa (Michael) Capadona, Amy (Chris) Petitto, Dillan (Sadie) Vining, Darian (Joshua) Hebert, Dane Vining, Kasie (Hani) Tregre, and Kelli (Joe) Woods, and her great-grandchildren: Madison, Michael, and MaKayla Capadona; Deja and Yusif Tregre; Gavin and Justin Woods; Ty, Olivia, and Sophia Petitto; and Briggs Vining.

Carmella was a self-taught florist and the longtime owner of Busy Bees Florist in Independence, Louisiana, where her creativity, work ethic, and personal touch brought joy to countless families. She and her husband, George, shared a deep love of travel and spent many treasured years journeying together in their motor home throughout the United States, as well as to Canada and Nova Scotia. Above all, Carmella dearly loved her family and was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, 2000 N Morrison Boulevard, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will continue the following day at the funeral home, from 8:30 AM until 10:15 AM. A funeral mass will follow the visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 620 3rd Street, Independence, Louisiana 70443, on 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow in Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum, Independence, Louisiana.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Landmark Nursing Center, North Oaks Medical Center, and St. Catherine Hospice for their kindness, dignity, and care.

Carmella Tortorice Barbier will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Her faith, warmth, and legacy of love will live on through the generations she leaves behind.