Denise Latour Obituary: Beloved Ponchatoula High School Teacher and LA-AWARE Grant Coordinator Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Strength and Service
Ponchatoula, LA – April 17, 2025 — The Ponchatoula community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Denise Latour, a dedicated educator, counselor, and LA-AWARE Grant Coordinator at Ponchatoula High School (PHS), who passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025. Her passing marks the end of a chapter defined by tireless service, heartfelt mentorship, and a fierce commitment to student success.
A pillar of the PHS family, Ms. Latour served the school with grace and strength for many years. Known for her high expectations and unwavering dedication to every student, she guided countless young people toward their goals, often becoming a second mother to those who needed support both in and out of the classroom. Her role as Coordinator of the LA-AWARE Grant further extended her impact, focusing on mental health and emotional well-being across the school community—an effort that has changed lives.
Ponchatoula High School released a statement reflecting the deep sorrow shared by the entire faculty and student body. “Ms. Latour was not only a colleague, but a mentor, a friend, and a source of stability for so many of us. Her contributions to our school and community are immeasurable. We are doing everything we can to support each other and the Latour family through this time of grief.”
In response to the loss, additional counselors have been made available on campus, ensuring students and staff have access to the emotional support they need. This measure, in line with the values Ms. Latour upheld throughout her career, is a testament to the care and compassion she instilled in the school environment.
Denise Latour was more than a teacher—she was a life force. Her family remembers her as a passionate, nurturing mother who balanced discipline and love with masterful strength. In a heartfelt message shared with the community, her children and loved ones expressed awe at the breadth of her influence:
“We’ve always known our mom as our rock, but over the last few days, we’ve come to understand how deeply she shaped the lives of others. She didn’t stop with just raising her children—she lifted up entire communities. Seeing the outpouring of love and reading the stories of how she impacted so many has filled our hearts in what is the most painful time of our lives.”
A funeral mass for Ms. Latour will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula. Following the service, a motorcade will proceed to Ponchatoula High School, where students, colleagues, and friends are invited to line the main entrance and pay their final respects as Ms. Latour is escorted through the school grounds one last time—a farewell to the institution she proudly called home.
She will be laid to rest at Rosaryville Cemetery, surrounded by the love of her family, students, and the wider Ponchatoula community.
