Margaret LaCombe, Alexandria Teacher, Dies at 72

Margaret DiStefano LaCombe, a first-grade teacher who spent 23 years in Rapides Parish Schools, died Sunday, May 24, 2026. She was 72.

LaCombe taught at South Alexandria Primary and North Bayou Rapides. Former students and colleagues remembered her structured classroom and her encouragement of young learners.

She graduated from Holy Savior Menard Central High School in 1971 and earned her degree from Louisiana College in 1975. She married high school sweetheart Gerald LaCombe; the couple shared 52 years of marriage.

LaCombe is survived by her husband; daughter Stephanie LaCombe Laborde and her husband Eric; son Sam LaCombe; grandsons John Eric Laborde and Connor LaCombe; and brothers Charles DiStefano with wife Peggy and Glenn DiStefano with wife Maryclare.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria, with Rosary recitation at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, followed by burial at Alexandria Memorial Gardens.

The family requests donations to Holy Savior Menard Central High School, 4603 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71301, in lieu of flowers.