Denise Latour Ponchatoula, LA, Obituary, Death: Ponchatoula High School is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished members, Ms. Denise Latour, who passed away on Friday. Ms. Latour served as a dedicated school counselor, passionate educator, and most recently, the Coordinator of the LA-AWARE Grant at PHS. Her passing marks a profound loss for the entire school community, and her absence will be deeply felt by students, faculty, staff, and families alike.
Known for her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of students, Ms. Latour dedicated many years to nurturing, guiding, and supporting countless individuals both within and beyond the school campus. Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and resilience. In response to this tragic loss, additional counseling services have been made available onsite for students and staff who are grieving. The school is committed to coming together as a community to support each other during this difficult time and to honor the memory of a woman who impacted so many lives.
The Latour family has shared a heartfelt message of appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they have received. They remember Ms. Latour as a passionate and determined mother who balanced love and discipline in raising her children—Rodney, Trey, Jacob, Cody, and Althea—and in supporting her husband, Johnny. Over the past few days, the family has found comfort and strength in the many stories and expressions of gratitude from those who were touched by Ms. Latour’s kindness, encouragement, and tenacity.
“She was a force,” they wrote, describing her influence not only within her family, but also in her extended circles—from her close-knit quilt group to the broader school and counseling communities. Ms. Latour’s drive to help others achieve their goals, coupled with her steadfast support in times of need, left a powerful mark on the lives of many. Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she shaped with care, strength, and love.
A funeral mass will be held in Ms. Latour’s honor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Following the mass, a motorcade will proceed to Ponchatoula High School, where Ms. Latour will be honored by students and staff at the main entrance in a final tribute to the place she called home for so many years. She will then be laid to rest at Rosaryville Cemetery.
As we say goodbye to Ms. Denise Latour, we remember not just her role as an educator and counselor, but as a beacon of strength, love, and unwavering dedication. Her memory will forever remain a part of Ponchatoula High School’s legacy. Let us continue to uplift her family in our thoughts and prayers and honor her by living with the same kindness and purpose she exemplified every day.
