Colleen Ann Martin Pitre, a cherished mother, devoted wife, and esteemed educator, passed away on June 14, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born on June 12, 1941, in Port Arthur, Texas, Colleen led a life marked by dedication, intellect, and unwavering faith.
A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in 1959, she distinguished herself both through her academic achievements and membership in the school choir. She continued her education at Lamar University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1962. After many years of service teaching History and raising her three children, Colleen obtained a second degree in Special Education, a field in which she would leave an indelible mark.
Colleen's professional journey as a History Teacher spanned several institutions, including Bridge City Junior High, Bishop Byrne High School, and St. Mary's Catholic School. She returned to work to teach Life Skills at West Orange Cove Middle School where she ultimately retired in May of 2006. Throughout Colleen’s teaching career, she had a profound impact in the lives of countless students through her patience, compassion and expertise.
Her intellectual pursuits were complemented by a myriad of interests. An avid reader and lover of board games, Colleen found joy in the written word and the camaraderie of playful engagement. She was an excellent seamstress and during her retirement years, she spent countless hours researching and documenting her familial genealogy.
Colleen’s devout Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, she actively contributed to the spiritual growth of her community, teaching CCD classes, serving as a lector and singing in the church choir. Her calm demeanor and non-judgmental nature made her a confidante to many, offering a listening ear and wise counsel to those around her.
She is survived by those who cherished her dearly: her husband of 60 years, William Pitre, Jr.; daughters Jennifer Pitre and Stephanie Wilkins; son John Pitre and his wife Tara; grandchildren Stephen Rougeau and his wife Amala, Lauren Jones and her husband Alex, Ethan Pitre, Cole Pitre, and Elise Pitre; and great-grandchild Saagar Rougeau. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews who held her in great affection: Kelly Haizlip and his wife Jeannine, Martin Haizlip and his wife Julia, Ryan Pitre and his wife Michelle, Laurie Moreau and her husband Blake, and Brent Pitre and his wife Jill.
In loving memory, we remember her parents, Archie Frederick and Vinnes Mary Martin, and her sister and brother-in-law, Nelwyn Haizlip and William Haizlip, who preceded her in death.
The family will receive visitors for visitation and rosary on June 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Port Arthur. The final
resting place will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas, where a graveside service is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. the same day.
Colleen Ann Martin Pitre’s legacy is one of kindness, intelligence, and faithfulness—a beacon of warmth and wisdom whose memory will forever illuminate the hearts of her family and all who were privileged to know her.
