Rosalie Marguerite Hebert

Rosalie Marguerite Hébert, née Lawrence, Mémère Rose, AKA Rosie, passed away peacefully at The Sanctuary Hospice on June 16, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Born in the New Orleans Seventh Ward in 1938 to Chester and Emma Antoinette Morris Lawrence lifelong parishioners of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She received her compulsory education at St. Raymond Catholic School in Paillet Land. Though unforeseen circumstances disrupted her educational pursuits, she faithfully prayed the rosary weekly at the historic St. Ann Grotto in the heart of Tremé in her youth. In the immortal words of Louis Armstrong, she married her “life’s companion” Irving Hébert, Sr. and “never grew old”. Together they created a beautiful family. A severe bout of diphtheria spurred a passion in her to be a caregiver and nurturer. After being a faithful wife and homemaker, she stepped into the workforce in her forties. For nearly forty years, she devoted her services to Ochsner Foundation Hospital and private families in the New Orleans Garden District. An assiduous worker, she finally retired after her 82nd birthday. A brilliant mind nurtured by her mother, a graduate of Straight College; she passed a love for knowledge to future generations. She was most proud of her grandchildren for pursuing careers as educators, lawyers, and medical doctors. Rosie loved jazz, Motown, and swing. She enjoyed making filé gumbo and mirlitons for the family. She had a sweet tooth – creole crème cheese, pastries, and pies were frequent late-night snacks. She loved fashion and designer catalogs. She was a no-nonsense person who didn’t mince her words. She was passionate about recycling and had an unconditional love for defenseless animals. She was a proud homeowner who believed in God, respect for others, and paying your debts. Rosalie is survived by her and Irving’s children, Irving Jr., Karen, Lionel, Wayne and William. They now rejoice with their sons, Clyde and Troy, in heaven. She is also survived by one sister, Yvonne Stewart, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless others who adopted her as their own mémère. A petite woman with a strong personality and kind heart, she was always there for anyone in need. Rosalie was generous beyond measure. Rosie you have been our matriarch, our rock, our queen, an eternal source of strength and resilience. Our lives are richer because of you; Rosie, you will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known you. Special thanks to the medical personnel who provided unwavering care and support during the COVID-19 pandemic and to the ministers, priests, Sr. Mary Kim and Sisters of Christian Charity, who, at the hour of death, prayed her soul through to eternal life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine of St. Jude, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA on Saturday June 20, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. . Final resting place at Providence Memorial Mausoleum. Arrangements were provided by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook. As a precautionary measure, masks are strongly encouraged