Ida Nell LaMotte Maiden

Ida Maiden (née Ida Nell LaMotte) graced us with her earthly presence from July 11, 1943, to February 24, 2025. She was an extraordinary educator, pianist, dancer, seamstress, and cook. Affectionately called “Mama Ida” by the generations that followed her, she will especially be remembered for the love and caretaking she extended towards her family, and for the kindness and generosity she extended towards her friends.

Ida was the second-born child of Elaine (née Boutte) and Milton LaMotte and was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In her youth, she was a member of the St. Francis Xavier school and church community and studied dance with Bernice and Melba Rose Durden. Ida attended Southern University where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, both with an emphasis in Music, and was a charter member of the university’s Beta Zeta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon Sorority. She became a professor in Southern University’s Music Program and taught piano, music theory, and enjoyment of music courses there until her retirement in the mid 1990s.

Alongside her passion for playing the piano, Ida carried several of her childhood pastimes into adulthood. Her mother was a professional seamstress and passed this skill on to Ida, who created remarkable garments for herself and her family. For several years, she performed during the New Orleans Saints halftime shows with her local Jazzercise community. She then went on to join the Jammin’ Grannies, a group of women aged 50+ who performed tap dance routines at nursing homes, festivals, and community events throughout Baton Rouge.

Ida’s family was her greatest joy and she loved to regale her friends with stories and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. In turn, she was much adored by her family’s friends, who frequently asked after the well-being of “Mama Ida.”

Ida Nell Maiden is survived by her children Leonardo Barbier and wife Adrienne Fontenot, Yolanda “Londi” Barbier Cook, and Salvador Barbier Sr. and wife Monica Rose Hernandez; grandchildren Alexandra Barbier and partner Samuel Hanson, Vivienne Barbier, Alaia Barbier, Salvador Barbier Jr., and Leonardo Barbier; stepchildren Leonard Maiden and Millicent Maiden Aubrey; a sister, Nathalie (LaMotte) White and husband Phil White; a brother, Arnold Ray LaMotte and wife Irene Lumbreras LaMotte; sisters-in-law Denise LaMotte and Mignon Fontenette; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband, Billy Charles Maiden; parents Elaine (Boutte) and Milton LaMotte; and brothers Michael LaMotte and Joseph Dwain LaMotte.

A Mass Intention will be said for Ida at St. Aloysius Catholic Church (Baton Rouge, La) at 9:00 AM on March 16, 2025 (livestream can be found at https://www.facebook.com/staloysiusbr).