Debra “Debbie” Touchet

August 25, 1959 - March 4, 2026

Debra “Debbie” Touchet, 66, a lifelong resident of Vermilion Parish, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Calcutta House after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by those who loved her.
Born on August 25, 1959, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Debra spent her life caring for others and leaving a lasting mark on the community she loved so deeply. She was a proud graduate of her alma mater, the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), and later returned to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she taught nursing and helped train the next generation of nurses.
Before becoming an instructor, Debra worked for many years as a labor and delivery nurse throughout Acadiana. During that time, she helped bring countless babies into the world and cared for families during some of the most meaningful and vulnerable moments of their lives. Many in the community can say their first moments of life were placed in Debra’s capable and compassionate hands.
Debra was known for her strong will, sharp sense of humor, and deep love for animals. Her compassion for animals reflected the enormous heart she carried for all living things. She was also a devoted New Orleans Saints fan. Whether celebrating a Saints victory or spending time with those she loved, Debbie brought passion, loyalty, and laughter wherever she went.
Debra also had a deep love for good food and live music. She enjoyed discovering new restaurants, sharing meals with friends and family, and rarely passed up an opportunity to listen to a great band. Whether it was a local venue, a festival, or a small gathering with music playing in the background, those moments brought her joy and were often where her laughter and vibrant spirit shined the brightest.
Though she had no children of her own, Debra played an important role in the lives of many nieces, nephews, family members, students, and friends who looked to her for guidance, encouragement, and support. She had a way of making people feel cared for and understood, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Marie Touchet; her uncles, Ivan “Pish” Touchet and spouse Sable, Joseph Charles “J.C.” Touchet, and Adolph Suire; and her cousin, Mary Ann Touchet (Wayne).
She is survived by her godmother, Louella Touchet; and numerous cousins including Wayne Touchet, Brenda Touchet, Triscia Touchet Stelly (Cedric), Lance Touchet (Tosha), Kimberly Touchet (Jeremy), Ava Touchet, Alanna Touchet, Mason Touchet Stoma, and Shane Touchet (Lauren), Zoee, Eli, Sadie, Josie, Alyse, and Andrew; as well as Lauren Schexnaider and her children, Christopher and Emily, who she loved as her own.
A Memorial Service and Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Leroy, Louisiana, officiated by Father Nick Ware. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 12 noon.
The Acadiana Nurse Honor Guard will perform the Nightingale Tribute at 11:45 a.m. in recognition of Debra’s lifelong dedication to the nursing profession.
Following the service, Debra will be laid to rest with her mother at Graceland Cemetery in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Debra’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and love for others will live on in the countless lives she touched as a nurse, teacher, friend, and family member.