Beloved Slidell Educator Kacie Kerlec Remembered for Her Kind Heart and Dedication to Students
The Slidell community is mourning the tragic loss of Kacie Kerlec, a devoted educator and cherished resident, who passed away by suicide at the age of 42. Kacie’s sudden and unexpected death has left her loved ones, colleagues, and former students heartbroken and searching for answers.
A lifelong native of Slidell, Louisiana, Kacie was a proud graduate of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School and Louisiana State University (LSU). She spent 20 remarkable years as a 5th-grade teacher at Bonne Ecole Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless children and families with her patience, creativity, and inspiring teaching style.
Kacie’s passion for teaching and her unwavering dedication to her students were hallmarks of her exceptional career. Former students and colleagues remember her as a kind, selfless, and caring educator who made learning fun and meaningful. Her infectious smile and ability to brighten any room she entered have left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
The Slidell community is coming together to remember Kacie’s remarkable life and legacy. “She had such a big heart,” said a former colleague. “She loved her students like they were her own children. We are devastated by this loss and hope Kacie knew how deeply she was appreciated and loved.”
Kacie’s tragic passing highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about the struggles many face silently. Local mental health advocates and organizations urge those who are struggling to seek help and remind everyone to check in on loved ones, even those who seem strong on the surface.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, Kacie Kerlec’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched as a dedicated educator and cherished member of the Slidell community.
