Janessa Le-Rose Touchet

Janessa Le-Rose Touchet, age 43, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 20, 1982, in Metairie, Louisiana. Janessa was the beloved daughter of Pamela Bernard Ross and her husband Barney, and the late Harry L Touchet and his wife Patricia.

Janessa is survived by her loving siblings: Jennifer (John) Henton, Jessica Touchet (David Mascaro), Harry Touchet, Jr.; her step-siblings Christine (Ryan) Hurlbut, Jay Ross, and Tressie (Matt) Morey.

She was a devoted aunt to Christian Tonglet, Isabella Henton, Olivia Touchet, Joseph Touchet, Owen Touchet, Christopher Hurlbut, Rylen Hurlbut, BJ Ross, Bailee Ross, Matthew Morey and Abigail Morey.

She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and extended family members who will deeply miss her generous spirit and radiant presence.

Janessa had a love for dance that started at the age of three. She began her training at Giacobbe Academy of Dance, as a young aspiring dancer she performed with the Delta Festival Youth Ballet in Red Shoes, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and countless others and with Delta Festival Ballet (DFB) in professional roles. As a young adult she continued her training with prestigious institutions like Hartford Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division. At nineteen, Janessa began her professional career with Cincinnati Ballet Company. She quickly ascended through the ranks to become a Principal Dancer. She has performed various roles in ballets such as: Romeo and Juliet, King Arthur’s Camelot, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker and many others. She would periodically return home to perform principal roles for DFB, River Region Ballet, Inc and various other companies around the country. In 2006, she had the honor to represent the United States in the International Ballet Competition where she placed as a finalist and was nominated for the prestigious Benois de la Danse prize. After retirement, Janessa devoted her time to teaching and mentoring new young dancers.

Janessa was truly a gift from God – blessed with natural talent, radiant beauty, and a spirit that brought joy to many. Those fortunate enough to witness her dance were often moved to tears, captivated by her grace and the profound emotion she brought to every performance. She had the rare ability to draw the audience into her world, embodying each role with heartfelt authenticity.

Beyond the stage, Janessa’s kindness, warmth, and encouragement touched lives far and wide. Whether through her hospitality, her uplifting presence, or her unwavering support, she left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her. We give glory to God for the precious gift that was Janessa – her life, her light, and her legacy. We take comfort knowing that she is now dancing for our Lord.

Services for Janessa will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Ann Church & Shrine, located at 3601 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, Louisiana. A celebration of life will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass.