Dorothy Jane Larroux Kersanac

Dorothy Jane Larroux Kersanac, 89, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas, her children holding vigil across three states, and her grandchildren bringing her joy with songs and laughter in her final days.

Dot was born on February 6, 1937 at the old Kings-Daughters Hospital in Bay St. Louis, where her heart would always remain. She attended St. Joseph Academy and went on to earn her BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, beginning a lengthy teaching career at SJA and St. Stanislaus. In 1988 she embarked on a second career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist, working at hospitals across the Gulf Coast region including Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Slidell Memorial, and Charity Hospital, earning her Registry title of RRT along the way. After Hurricane Katrina, Dot continued at the LSU Medical Science Center (formerly Hotel Dieu) until her retirement in December 2009.

Dot had a lifelong love of the water, teaching swimming through the Red Cross program and running water aerobics classes for decades. Wherever the water took her, Dot found joy — in the breezes, dolphins, birds, and sunsets.

An active member of BWYC and President of its Ladies Auxiliary, Dot's greatest joys were her family, the water, and the rich history of her hometown. A charter member of the Louisiana Basque Society and Cultural Organization and President of the Bay St. Louis Basque Society, she was active in her faith community at Our Lady of the Gulf.

A true daughter of Bay St. Louis, Dot was deeply devoted to preserving the town’s history. She contributed written pieces to The Historian newsletter and spearheaded the effort to establish the Cedar Point Magnolia Marker in 2018. A proud member of the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, she was honored to serve as Ms. Claiborne III. Dot also played the role of Ms. Claiborne in the 2024 HCHS production of Sink or Be Sunk.

Dot was a loving mother and true friend whose presence was like no other. Her love of music and zest for life was a gift to everyone who had the pleasure to know her.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Clara T. Talbot and Emile P. Larroux of Bay St. Louis, her first husband Joseph J. Kersanac, her young grandson Jacob Anthony Magnuson, and second husband Wallace A. Burns, Sr.

She is survived by six children: Joseph “Johnny” Kersanac (Lisa) of Gulfport, Katrina Kersanac Lott (Tommy) of Mobile, James “Tim” Kersanac (Muri) of Destin, Michael “Mak” Kersanac (Lynne) of Bay St Louis, Melissa Kersanac Bocock (Frank) of Kingwood, Texas, Sabrina Kersanac Magnuson (Erik) of Orlando. Grandchildren include Rebeckah Kersanac and Klara Kersanac Stinson (Corey); Millie Lott Russell (Ben) and Amber Lott Brown (Billy); Kristy Kersanac Thiel (Chris), Joseph Kersanac (Olivia) and Tyler Kersanac; Emily and Courtney Bocock; Nathaniel and Joshua Magnuson. Great-grandchildren include Eli and Ethan Stinson; Palmer and Lott Russell; Sadie Larroux Brown; and Kassidy, Khloe, and Carter Thiel.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for their compassionate care of Dot and her family.

A visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Gulf Church on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10–11 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery with a reception to follow.

In keeping with Dot's wishes, attendees are encouraged to wear shades of purple, blue, and magenta in celebration of her life. Those wishing to honor Dot's memory may send flowers or make a memorial donation to the Hancock County Historical Society, 108 Cue Street, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Jane Larroux Kersanac.