Marion Cortez

Marion Joseph Cortez, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2023. He was a loving and devoted husband to the late Tracy Trahan Cortez for over 60 years. They were blessed to have six children: Scarlet Pettit (Mike) of Lafayette, Toby Cortez of Atlanta, Page Cortez (Angela) of Lafayette, Lane Cortez (Amy) of Lafayette, Marcy Griffin (Scott) of Atlanta, and Cort Cortez (Pam) of Susanville, CA, as well as nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Marion was born in Kraemer, Louisiana in Lafourche Parish to Alcide and Edna Robichaux Cortez. He graduated from Thibodaux High School and went on to Nicholls State University before joining the Army. After his military service, he attended Southwest Louisiana Institute (SLI), now University of Louisiana, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Always gifted in math, Marion began his career as a mathematics teacher with the Lafayette Parish School System. He taught various mathematics classes while completing his postgraduate education, earning a Master’s Degree and an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), now University of Louisiana. He was a school principal for several years but spent most of his career as the Supervisor of Federally Supported Programs for the Lafayette Parish School System and Director of Title I Programs for the State of Louisiana until his retirement in 1988. In addition to his long career in education, Marion authored three college textbooks and was a part-time Professor in the College of Education at USL. Marion’s greatest love was being with family and friends. Visiting with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was always the highlight of his day. He was also very active in his community as a volunteer. He served in various capacities and held numerous offices at the local and district levels of the PTA. Marion was most proud of his time spent serving his Catholic community. As a Trustee of St. Edmond Catholic Church, he was instrumental in the founding of the church parish. He was awarded the Bishop’s Service Award for the Diocese of Lafayette for his exemplary service. He is survived by his six children, as well as his grandchildren: Claire Pettit Arabie (Alan), Rev. Neil Pettit, Carl Pettit (Heidi), Toby Cortez II, Matthew Cortez (Jessica), Maria Cortez Norsworthy (Eric), Mary Margaret Griffin VanZant (Matt), Ashton Griffin (Hannah), Alexis Cortez; nine great-grandchildren; a brother Martin Cortez (Anna); and a brother in law, Tommy Broussard. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sisters, Mary Soirez Melancon and Mae Lou Champagne; his half brother, Alcide Cortez, Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Alden Soirez and Joel Champagne; and a sisters-in-law, Terry Trahan Broussard and Irena Cortez. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Mother of the Church Catholic Church in Lafayette. His grandson, Reverend Neil Pettit, Pastor of St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, will officiate at the services. Concelebrants will be Reverend Cedric Sonnier, Pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church; Very Reverend Kevin Bordelon, J.C.L. Adjutant Judicial Vicar; and Reverend Patrick Broussard, Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church. The family requests that visiting hours be observed between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette. A Rosary will be held during visitation hours at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Fountain Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette. Pallbearers will be Matthew Cortez, Carl Pettit, Toby Cortez II, Ashton Griffin, Kale Veronie, Alan Arabie, Matt VanZant, and Eric Norsworthy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Toby Cortez, Page Cortez, Lane Cortez, Cort Cortez, Mike Pettit, Scott Griffin, Don Champagne, David Choate and Gabe Trahan. Readers will be Claire Pettit Arabie and Alexis Cortez. Gift bearers will be Maria Cortez Norsworthy and Mary Margaret Griffin VanZant. Personal condolences may be sent to the Cortez family at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com Marion Cortez and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Home, Inc. February 2023

Marion Cortez

July 12, 1933 - February 26, 2023