FLORENCE – Orise Marguerite Fontaine, 94, beloved mother, daughter of God, confidant, mentor, and friend, passed away at 7:55 a.m. on September 27, 2023, in the Florence Nursing and Rehab Center, Florence, Alabama.

Visitation will be held at Elkins Funeral home in Florence, Alabama on Wednesday October 4, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in St Florian, Alabama, followed by the burial in St. Michael Cemetery. Memorial donations can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.

She is preceded in death by her father Alfred Boucher, her mother Hortense Boucher, oldest son Raymond Fontaine and her ex-husband and father of their 8 children Normand Fontaine. She is survived by 7 children: Roland Fontaine, Suzanne Fontaine, Denise & Donald Emerson, Linda & Jerry Alred, Lucille & John Phillips, JoAnn Thomson,  Marc & Vicki Fontaine, 27 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Long time family friends Warren Semmes and Ronald Thomson.

Orise spent her entire life selflessly devoted to service of God, family, and community. She was known as a loving mother, friend, and mentor who left a huge impact on every life she touched. Despite her shortened academic history to help care for her siblings, she excelled in all aspects as a pioneer businesswoman. She always found time to be actively involved in countless organizations. One of her favorite pastimes was her involvement in the Florence Red Hat Society.

"There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone." "We do not remember days, we remember moments." "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.