The Catholic Diocese of Lafayette announced its Champion of Life Award recipients includes Sharon Fontenot, of Eunice.
Fontenot is a dedicated Catholic and lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Eunice.
Her commitment to protecting life began in 1973 when she co-founded Eunice Right to Life, one of Louisiana’s earliest pro-life organizations. Over the years, she has served on both local and statewide pro-life boards, including as president of Louisiana Right to Life. She has been a constant presence at pro-life marches, attending the first National March in Washington, D.C., and lobbying lawmakers to support life-affirming policies. Fontenot was instrumental in establishing the National Pro-Life Breakfast, where lawmakers and advocates gather annually to discuss the cause.
Currently, Fontenot serves as a consultant on the Board of the New Life Pregnancy Center in Mamou, which provides vital services to multiple parishes in need. A proud mother of four children, two of whom are adopted, Sharon is also the grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 23.
Her unwavering dedication to the sanctity of life has helped save countless babies and supported many mothers in crisis. Fontenot’s efforts were recognized in 1991 when the Federation of Louisiana Right to Life honored her as the “Cajun Queen of Optimism,” a testament to her boundless energy and quiet determination.
