It is with deep heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Iris Ann Malveau Hodge, who departed this life on June 10, 2026, at Opelousas General Hospital. She was born on October 19, 1947 to James and Dorothy Thierry Malveaux in Plaisance, Louisiana.Iris lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a passion for nurturing both people and community.
She graduated from Plaisance High School. In pursuit of higher education, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Southwest Louisiana and did part of her undergraduate studies at Swarthmore College. She moved to Seattle, Washington to earn her Master’s Degree at the University of Washington. Driven by her compassionate and generous nature, she used her talents with writing to help several other students with their studies at the university.
Iris’s professional journey was distinguished and impactful. She dedicated her talents and energies to children’s health and welfare, contributing her expertise at the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital & Medical Center. Her career also included significant roles at Washington Natural Gas and Seattle City Light, where her commitment to service was unwavering. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Iris shared her love of literature by teaching night classes at Seattle Central Community College, enriching the minds of many students outside the traditional daytime environment.
A lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iris embraced the sorority’s principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service throughout her life. This commitment reflected her steadfast dedication to fostering education, leadership, and community empowerment.
Beyond her career and academic interests, Iris was a woman of many passions. While mentoring students in the University of Washington’s Upward Bound program in the early 70’s, she instilled in them the courage to pursue their academic hopes especially when overwhelmed by challenges as newcomers to the university system. In later years, Iris relished the opportunity to tutor and welcome foreign exchange students into her home, sharing cultural experiences and broadening horizons with compassion and generosity. She hosted foreign exchange students from a range of countries, including Kuwait, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. She cherished gardening, finding peace and joy in cultivating nature’s beauty. Her love extended to animals, especially cats, whom she cared for with gentle affection.
Iris Ann Malveau Hodge’s life was a testament to purposeful living—embracing education, professional excellence, community involvement, and personal warmth. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her and were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.
Iris is survived by her daughter, Cari Hodge; son, William Hodge; sisters, Dorothy Rose Malveaux and Mary C. Malveaux; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Iris Ann Malveau Hodge was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
