Dianne Margaret Arceneaux McAllister

After a three-year battle with colon cancer which Dianne fought fiercely till the end, she passed away peacefully Monday, January 27, 2025. 

Dianne was born September 7, 1951, in Morgan City, the daughter of Lionel “Blackie” Arceneaux and Mildred Blanchard Arceneaux. 

Dianne was the embodiment of joy and warmth, a magnetic force that drew friends and family closer. She was a radiant presence in any gathering, a true life of the party, and proudly cherished the title of “Dancing Queen.” A talented cook and an exceptional decorator, her home was always a welcoming haven filled with creativity and spirit. Her ability to bring people together, especially through her home-cooked meals, brought happiness to all who knew her. 

For 36 years, Dianne dedicated her career to the St. Mary Parish School Board, serving as the steadfast secretary at J.S. Aucoin. Her commitment to her work was as profound as her devotion to her family. She found immense joy in spending time with her husband, Carl McAllister, her beloved grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings, especially at Island View in Mississippi, became treasured moments filled with laughter and love, a reflection of the deep family bonds she nurtured. 

Dianne was also a pillar of faith, inspiring those around her with her unwavering belief. Her spirituality remained resolute throughout her life, guiding her actions and comforting those who sought her wisdom.

She will be sadly missed an lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Carl McAllister; son, Lance McAllister and wife Tricia; daughter, Melanie Belle and husband Bryan; nine grandchildren, Alexis Palmature and husband Ryan, Mallory McAllister and fiancé Noah Martin, Sean Torgrimson Jr., Grant Torgrimson, Erin Rhodes and husband Jay, Layne Reynaud and fiancé Alex Osburn, Mason Belle and fiancé Cara Winter, Lynze Rodrigue and husband Elliot, Noah Belle; Grammy to seven great-grandchildren, Ava, Alora and Adaline Palmature, Emmie and Ellie Rhodes, Edie and Graham Rodrigue; siblings, Brenda Thompson, Carol Ryan and husband Jim, Kent Arceneaux and wife Dawn; sisters-in-law, Faye Arceneaux, Regina Sellers, Lisa Charpentier; brother-in-law, Wesley McAllister; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Lionel “Blackie” and Mildred Arceneaux; brother, Ricky Arceneaux; in-laws, Richard “Mack” and Alice McAllister. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia with Father Joey Pilola officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m., and again Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Dianne will be laid to rest in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. 

Ava said it best, “Life will just never be the same now.”