Tara Anne Pleasant Saxon

Tara Anne Pleasant Saxon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on October 21, 1970, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her work, and her unwavering faith in God.

Tara attended Louisiana State University, including a summer session at the University of Hawaii. She continued her education later in life, earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She previously held memberships in PEO Chapter W and the Junior League of Baton Rouge.

Tara was diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2022. She endured surgery, multiple chemotherapy and radiation treatments, physical therapy, and countless lab visits. Through it all, she was courageous, strong, confident, and always carried a smile on her beautiful face. Tara never complained, maintained a positive attitude, and fought her battle with grace and determination.

Tara was employed at Cajun Industries, LLC as their executive administrative assistant and office manager for nearly 20 years. No matter the time of day, Tara was always available to those who needed her. Her impact on Cajun endures as she left it in better shape than she found it.

Above all else, Tara cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Her sons, John and Collin, were her heart and soul. She was “TayTay” to her grandchildren, who brought so much joy and laughter to her life.

Tara’s happiest feeling was the sand beneath her feet at the beach. She loved to travel―whether it was cheering on LSU Tiger football, attending plays at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans or Broadway shows in New York, or visiting cities like Charleston and Washington, DC. She was the most meticulous planner of trip itineraries.

Tara is survived by her parents, James and Corky Pleasant of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; her sons, John Saxon and his wife Alyssa of The Woodlands, Texas and their children, Lillian Grace, James Preston, and Brady Grey Saxon; Collin Saxon and his partner, Chasity Bass of Prairieville, Louisiana and her daughters, Avaa and Emery. Tara is also survived by her brother, Anthony Pleasant and his wife Shawn of Marthaville, Louisiana and their children, Madison Elisabeth and William Anthony Pleasant; and by her grandmother, Barbara Winn Ruggiero of Marthaville, Louisiana.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 145 Church Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana with Fr. Louis Sklar officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 20, 2025, beginning at 5:00pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home, 848 Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches, Louisiana. The Rosary recitation will begin at 7:00pm. Interment will be at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

A second Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00am at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 15615 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Fr. Todd Lloyd will officiate, and Milton Graugnard will deliver the eulogy. Visitation will begin at 10:00am prior to the service, followed by a reception at the church following the service.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following medical professionals for their expert care and compassion for Tara throughout her journey:

Dr. Brandon Gaynor and Dr. Jon Olson, Neuromedical Center of Baton Rouge;

Dr. Andrew Lauve, Ochsner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of Baton Rouge;

Dr. Edward Sledge, Jr., Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge;

Jimmy Litsey II, OT, Neuromedical Center Physical Therapy;

and Pinnacle Hospice of Baton Rouge.

Our deepest appreciation to the ladies of Scriptures and Sip―Tara’s Bible study group from Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church―for the meals, calls, texts, and for spending so much time with Tara. She looked forward to the gatherings every Thursday night and she loved you all.

To Tara’s work family at Cajun Industries: we are forever grateful for the meals, visits, and your love and support in these last weeks.

To honor Tara’s life, memorial contributions may be made to:

Glioblastoma Foundation P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 www.glioblastomafoundation.org

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

www.stjude.org

Wounded Warrior Project

P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516

woundedwarriorproject.org