Joan Marie Hidalgo Dunbar

In Loving Memory of Joan Marie Hidalgo Dunbar

September 22, 1944 – August 10, 2026

We honor the life of Joan Marie Hidalgo Dunbar, age 81, who passed away leaving a legacy of faith, family, and dedicated service to her community.

Joan was born on September 22, 1944, in Thibodaux, Louisiana, the cherished daughter of Alcee Hidalgo and Maggie Talbot Hidalgo. A proud graduate of Thibodaux High School’s Class of 1962, Joan committed her early career to serving her community with warmth and professionalism, with the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office and with Bell South.

In 1969, Joan married her beloved husband, Alan Paul Dunbar. Together, they shared fifty-one beautiful years of marriage and devotion until Alan's passing on June 21, 2021. In 1977, the family relocated to DeRidder, Louisiana, supporting Alan’s career as a business instructor and counselor at Lamar Salter Technical College.

Joan dedicated her life to raising her five children, balancing family life with her passion for natural health. As an entrepreneur, she ran a successful herbal company, sharing her knowledge to guide and educate others on their personal healthcare journeys.

Joan’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active parishioner of both St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Jude Catholic Church. Her service to the Church was extensive and deeply impactful. Alongside Alan, she taught Natural Family Planning within the Diocese of Lake Charles for 22 years. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and dedicated her time to the Rosary makers group.

Outside of church, Joan was a member of the Master Gardener’s Association, an avid thrifter, and a collector of specialty items.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Alcee and Maggie Hidalgo; her beloved husband, Alan; her daughter, Sharon Anne Dunbar; her sister, Betty Benoit; her sister-in-law, Jeanette Hidalgo; and her brothers-in-law, Thomas John Dunbar Jr. and Justin Bergeron.

Her loving memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her daughters, Karin Dunbar Gary (James) of Navarre, FL, and Denise Dunbar Doyle (Todd) of Pitkin, LA; her sons, Robert Dunbar (Dawn) of DeRidder, LA, and Daniel Dunbar (Sheila) of DeRidder, LA. She is also survived by her siblings: her brother, JP Hidalgo of Thibodaux, LA; her sisters, Jean Hidalgo Bergeron of Thibodaux, LA, and Loretta Hidalgo Evans (Eddie) of Houma, LA; and her brother‑in‑law, Patrick Dunbar (Sandra) of Houma, LA.

Grandchildren Samantha (Danny), Thomas, Lesleigh, Ethan, Nathan, Brendan, Daniel [DJ], Desire (Josh), Andre, Abigail, Emma, Justin, Dylan, Caleb.

Great-Grandchildren: Jeffery, Oliver, Stella, Danny

She is also remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews.

Service Arrangements:

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Joan's life.

Visitation & Rosary Wednesday, August 26, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Rosary at 6:00 PM) at Myers Colonial Funeral Home, DeRidder, LA

Second Visitation: Friday, August 28, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM St. Bridget Catholic Church, Schriever, LA

Funeral Mass: Friday, August 28 11:00 AM St. Bridget Catholic Church, Schriever, LA

Graveside Service: Friday, August 28, immediately following Mass, St. Bridget Catholic Church Cemetery, Schriever, LA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joan’s honor to organizations close to her heart: Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in Irondale, Alabama; New Life Counseling in Lake Charles, Louisiana; or your local pro‑life organization.