Lena "Bitsy" Balfantz

Lena "Bitsy" Balfantz, age 75, peacefully passed away at her Maurepas residence surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 16, 2025. She was a strong woman who battled through her sickness with faith and grace until the very end. Bitsy was a retired bus driver for the Maurepas Schools for 39 1/2 years as well as a Justice of the Peace for 22 years who was dedicated to serving her community. She was known as a very humble lady who always put the needs of others above her own, whether it was family, friends or anyone in need. Bitsy was fearless in her faith knowing God was on her side no matter what, with immovable love for her heavenly father. She lived her life the way God had planned for her through love and compassion towards others. Through the good and bad, she never complained, but instead kept pushing forward. Bitsy's love for her family was unmatched and took the utmost care of their needs, especially her husband, Mr. Stanley. In her younger years Maw Maw Bitsy could be found tending to her flower garden and greenhouse growing beautiful flowers. None of this would be possible without the selfless act of kindness shown to her as her brother, David, who donated one of his kidneys, 43 years ago so she could live a full and prosperous life. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 56 years, Stanley Balfantz; beautiful daughter, Kelli Brown (Mike); precious grandchildren, Kayla McCormick, Zachary McCormick (Emily), Keegan, Saylor and Brogyn Marchand; step-grandchild, Emily Brown; siblings, Emelda Fontenot and Nolan Delatte; son-in-law, Kel Marchand; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Marchand; infant daughter, Christina Balfantz; parents, Arthur and Esther Delatte; and her brothers, Delton, David, and Gilbert Delatte.

Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Whitehall, Louisiana on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until her Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m.. Interment will follow in Maurepas Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mike Brown, Kel Marchand, Zachary McCormick, Greg Fontenot, Lee Vampran, and Brett Bell, with Anthony "Ankie" Delatte as an honorary pallbearer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.