Tiphani Wind Dancer Todora, a woman whose spirit danced through life with grace and unwavering passion, passed away peacefully at her home on January 30, 2025, at the age of 48. Her departure comes after a courageous two-year fight against Pancreatic Cancer, a battle she faced with remarkable positivity and gratitude for every moment she lived. Tiphani’s journey was one marked by compassion, a love for life’s simple pleasures, and a deep connection to those around her, both human and animal.
A Life Dedicated to Caring and Compassion
Tiphani’s nurturing nature shone brightly throughout her life, particularly in her career choices. Early in her adult years, as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), she provided invaluable and heartfelt care at St. Luke’s during the AIDS Pandemic. Beyond attending to their medical needs, Tiphani found joy in cooking for her patients and sharing moments gardening with them, activities that blossomed into lifelong passions. She often spoke of the profound lessons learned during her time at St. Luke’s, including her contribution to building the Rose Garden, a place of remembrance and peace. During this period, she also dedicated seven years as a Dialysis Technician at Lourdes, demonstrating her tireless commitment to caring for others.
Later, Tiphani’s love for animals led her to a career as a Veterinary Technician. While initially aspiring to become a Registered Nurse in veterinary care, she discovered a special affinity for pet grooming during her clinicals. This realization led her to become a licensed pet groomer, a profession she embraced for 24 years. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open Joliechiens, a beloved pet boutique in River Ranch. Ultimately, she created her own haven, “Grooming by Tiphani,” a home-based space where she specialized in pampering pets with personalized care and attention.
Embracing Life’s Joys: Travel, Hobbies, and Loved Ones
Beyond her professional life, Tiphani was a vibrant soul who embraced life to the fullest. Travel was a cherished pastime, with adventures across the United States and internationally. She held a special fondness for beaches, having married her husband, Philip John Todora, in the beautiful setting of Cozumel, Mexico. Pensacola, Florida, held a particularly dear place in her heart, a destination for countless cherished weekends with her husband.
Tiphani’s hobbies were as diverse as her interests. She found tranquility in gardening, enjoyed the sport of tennis, and expressed her creativity through cooking, particularly mastering Asian cuisines. An avid angler, she relished the excitement of a great catch. Her early years revealed a surprising talent as a marksman, winning trophies for her skill. With a touch of humor, she reflected on her evolution, saying, “Who would have thought a tomboy like me, who loved to shoot guns, would grow up to love the fancier things in life!” This playful spirit and appreciation for life’s finer moments defined her character.
Tiphani’s legacy is carried on by her loving family: her husband of 10 years, Philip John Todora; her children, Lacey Lynn Henson and Austin Drake Lajaunie; her stepdaughter, Sarah Todora Zavala (Andrew); her cherished grandchildren, Avery “Peaches” Plattsmier, Cali “Calico” Plattsmier, Elijah “Diablo” Lajaunie, Lucas Lajaunie, Charlotte Lajaunie, and Lillian Lajaunie; her step-grandson, Dominick Zavala; her mother and stepfather, Sally B. Noel and Ray Noel; her stepsiblings, Brandon Noel and Chasity Brill (Josh); and her adored pink poodle, Dr. Silkworth.
She is now reunited with her father, James Felton Saintignan; her paternal grandparents, Armond White “Jimmy” Saintignan and Barbara Saintignan; her maternal grandparents, Rodger and Anna “Panjet” Boudreaux; and her beloved pup Stella.
Celebrating Tiphani’s Wind Dancer Spirit
Tiphani Wind Dancer Todora’s life was a testament to living with passion, extending compassion, and finding joy in every step. She danced through life’s moments, both big and small, with a unique blend of strength and grace. Her memory will be held dear by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering to celebrate Tiphani’s life on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 2pm-3pm at St. Martin Detours Hall, 133 South Main St., St. Martinville, 70582, followed by a Memorial Mass at 3pm in the church and burial at St. Martin de Tours Cemetery.
To share condolences or fond memories of Tiphani, please visit the online guest book.
