Mary Stephens passed on Monday, February 7, 2022 at the age of 80. Mary served as a Eucharistic Minister at OLGH Catholic Church in Buras before becoming a Parishioner at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Lafayette, where she served on the Sunshine Committee and was part of the Rosary Group and the St. Elizabeth Seton Pearls. She was also a member of the Senior Citizens Group at Bell Rose Senior Center. Mary was a teacher for 25 years at Buras High School, and was the sponsor for Student of the Year, Science and History fairs, the History Club, and the Beta Club. She also tutored numerous students after school for many years. Investing in the next generation was Mary’s passion as she sought to help shape the futures of the next generation. Mary lived life to its fullest and enjoyed all kinds of dance, and could be found dancing at festivals and nursing homes as she believed dancing brought joy to the world. She had a green thumb and loved flowers and gardening. Mary loved life, and had a plethora of knowledge on a variety of topics and was often telling stories. Of course, she was always right. Most of all, she loved spending her time visiting with friends, her children and her grandchildren. Mary is survived by her husband, Gerald Nunez; five daughters: Carmel Sumich (John), Allyson Duhon (Tim), Stephanie Lee (Ricky), Susan Becnel (Matt), and Holly Stephens (Stephen); three sons, Andy Stephens, Jr. (Cherie), Jeffrey Stephens (Myra), and Michael Stephens (Christina); two sisters, Sandra Aultman (Grady), and Glenda Chandler; 22 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, her blondehaired, blue-eyed, love of her life, Andy Campbell Stephens, Sr.; second husband, Tom Basco; and parents, Martin and Thelma Ragas. Relatives and friends of the family attended a visitation and funeral service at Walters Funeral Home's Sunrise Chapel on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Officiants: Reverend David Orges, Live Oak Methodist Church, Watson, LA; Deacon Nelson Schexnayder, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Interment: Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Lafayette, LA. Pallbearers: Matt Becnel, Tim Duhon, Ricky Lee, Stephen Majoria Sr., Andy Stephens Jr., Jeffrey Stephens, Michael Stephens, and John Sumich. The family would like to extend special thanks to the several caregivers who took special care of her, especially Linder Johnson. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9191 Bluebonnet, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. View the obituary and sign the guestbook online at www.waltersfh.com.