Jeanette Louise Cazes Lea passed away June 11, 2026 after a brief illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, neighbor, and friend, well known for her thoughtful cards and letters sent to brighten the days of her many connections across the country.
Jeanette was one of five children, born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana to Charles and Theresa Cazes. She received a Bachelor’s in Education from the Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning in Lafayette, La. (now known as the University of Louisiana), and a Master’s in Education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She began her teaching career at Cherokee Elementary School in Alexandria, La.
Jeanette married fellow Louisiana native Dallas Millard Lea, Sr. in 1965 and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to begin their life together. The couple soon relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia where they had two children before settling in Springfield, Virginia and living there for 32 years. Jeanette worked as a teacher in Springfield, Va. at Ravensworth Elementary and Lynbrook Elementary.
As part of the Ravensworth Farm community, the Lea family was fortunate to have neighbors who became like family, remaining close even as Jeanette and Dallas returned to live in Louisiana in 2000. After her return to Alexandria, La., Jeanette connected with family and old friends, and became active in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, joining the letter writing ministry.
Known as Memaw to her two grandchildren, she made frequent trips to Maryland to visit and enjoyed adventures with them in New York City, Philadelphia, and local outings. She was an animal lover, especially of the pets of her family and friends, closely following the adventures and misdeeds of her “grand-dogs.”
She is survived by her brother (John Edward Cazes and his wife Gerry), son and daughter and their spouses (Dallas and DeAnna Lea and Kathryn and Jason Erb), grandchildren (Micheal and Sean), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings (Charles Cazes, Annie Cazes Price, and Scott Cazes.)
Donations may be given in her honor to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria, Louisiana https://olpschurch.org/giving/ or Best Friends Save Them All (Animal Welfare) https://bestfriends.org/donate/remembering-an-animal-lover.
The family is planning interment and a celebration of life in Alexandria, La. later this summer.