Toni Richard
1964 – 2026
Baton Rouge, LA

Toni Accardo Richard
February 11, 1964 — May 31, 2026
Toni Accardo Richard passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was born on February 11, 1964, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A lifelong Baton Rouge resident, Toni was deeply rooted in her community. She graduated from St. George Catholic School in 1978 and St. Joseph’s Academy in 1982, then earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in 1988. That foundation began a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Toni was a woman defined by her boundless generosity and caring nature, traits that shone brightly throughout her 37-year career as an educator. She spent the first 20 years of her teaching journey at the very school she attended grade school, St. George Catholic School, shaping young hearts and minds. It was evident in her extracurricular duties as Cheerleading Moderator and as the Athletic Director for so many years. She was also named the Inaugural Distinguished Graduate for St. George Catholic School in 1996.
Above all, Toni was the cornerstone of her family. She had the biggest heart, never complained, always had a smile on her face, and would do absolutely anything for her beloved family, leaving behind a legacy of profound love and cherished memories.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Brant Richard; three children, Ryan Richard (April), Cory Richard, and Kelsey Richard (and her fiancé, Trenton Porche); and her two treasured grandchildren, Bennett and Kyle, who brought immense joy to her life.
She is also survived by her loving parents, J.F. and Adrienne Accardo; her sisters, Tina Knight (Robert) and Charla Wade (David); her mother-in-law Helen Richard; and Brant’s seven siblings and their families, along with a close-knit extended family and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Her passion for education then led her to share her gifts across the community, including impactful stints at Oak Grove Primary in Prairieville, Baton Rouge Mid-City Charter Academy (Charter USA), and fulfilling long-term teaching assignments for maternity leaves within Ascension Parish Schools. Most recently, she brought her warmth and extensive experience to St. Jude the Apostle School, where she served as the receptionist in the admin building.
Toni was incredibly impactful in the classroom, and her family is continuously comforted by the countless former students who still approach them to share the profound difference she made in their lives. Throughout her career, she left an indelible mark on generations of students, families, and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Toni brought joy, laughter, and lasting friendship to her community. She was a dedicated and cherished member of the Krewe of Romany family for the past 23 years. Over more than two decades of service, she held various positions on the Board, served as a Special Advisor, and ultimately held the prestigious honor of Ball Captain in 2014. The Krewe was a true family affair; her daughter Kelsey grew up in the organization, serving as a Page in 2007, a Maid in 2015, and ultimately reigning as Queen Romany in 2022. Three of Toni's nieces also shared in this tradition as Maids, including Mallory Hood, Rachel Knight, and Lauren Knight. Her beloved husband Brant served as King LXXV in 2025, a special celebration where their grandsons, Bennett and Kyle, proudly served as his pages.
Toni was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Mary Accardo, and Buck and Stella Allain; and her father-in-law, Larry Richard.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway. A Visitation will continue Friday, June 12, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow St. George Catholic Church Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Robert Knight, Derek Richard, Micah Richard, Dale Avery, Lance Wade, and Mitchell Wade.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. George Catholic School (www.st-georgeschool.com) in memory of Toni Accardo Richard, so that future students may benefit from the same faith-filled foundation that shaped her early education.